Police Witness Alleges $6.23 Million Election Observer Fund Was Diverted in Emefiele Trial
Police Witness Alleges $6.23 Million Election Observer Fund Was Diverted in Emefiele Trial
The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, continued on Thursday as a prosecution witness told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja that the alleged diversion of $6.23 million earmarked for international election observers during the 2023 general elections amounted to “pure theft.”
The witness, a police investigator, made the assertion while giving evidence before the court in the ongoing prosecution of the former apex bank governor over alleged abuse of office, conspiracy and unlawful handling of public funds.
According to the witness, investigations revealed that the funds were approved for the payment of foreign election observers but were allegedly withdrawn in cash without following due process or any lawful justification.
He testified that the withdrawal and movement of the money did not comply with established financial regulations, describing the transaction as a deliberate act of misappropriation.
The prosecution also tendered documentary evidence before the court to support its case, including records relating to the approval, withdrawal and disbursement of the funds.
Emefiele, however, has denied all allegations levelled against him, maintaining his innocence. His legal team challenged parts of the prosecution’s evidence during cross-examination and urged the court to dismiss the allegations against him.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case to a later date for the continuation of trial and further hearing.
