Drama In Court As Police Witness Details $6.23m Withdrawal In Emefiele Fraud Trial

The witness, Commissioner of Police Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, testified before Justice Hamza Muazu in a case marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, where Emefiele faces a 20-count charge including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence.

Emefiele, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

While giving evidence, Okpoziakpo told the court that he was part of a team assigned to support a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the activities of the CBN and other government agencies.

He explained that his duties included interrogating suspects, recording statements, and assisting with intelligence gathering during the investigation.

According to him, findings from the probe suggested that the funds were unlawfully obtained, with some suspects, including an individual identified as Maishanu, allegedly confessing to the offence.

The witness further stated that the money was said to have been released under the claim that it was meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections. However, he told the court that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied making any such request when contacted.

Okpoziakpo also referenced several exhibits presented in court, including documents allegedly showing approval for the disbursement. He identified one document as a request for the release of $6.23 million to Emefiele, and another as an approval letter dated January 24, 2023, purportedly signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He added that the funds were eventually disbursed following the approval process, with supporting documents recovered from the CBN branch in Abuja, including records detailing the cash payment in $100 bills and an internal memo authorising the transaction.

Justice Muazu adjourned the case to July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.