Forgery Scandal Unveiled: $6.2 Million Moved From CBN Using Buhari And Ex-SGF Signatures, Says Forensic Expert

Forgery Scandal Unveiled: $6.2 Million Moved From CBN Using Buhari And Ex-SGF Signatures, Says Forensic Expert

A forensic document examiner seconded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Bamaiyi Haruna, revealed on Thursday that an analysis of documents related to the release of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 showed evidence of forgery. The EFCC had accused former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele and Odoh Ocheme (now on the run) of obtaining the funds by falsely claiming it was requested by the SGF in a letter dated January 26, 2023. The agency also alleged Emefiele forged a document titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS.”

At a court hearing, former SGF Boss Mustapha denied the documents originated from former President Muhammadu Buhari or his office. Haruna, the sixth prosecution witness, stated that his analysis revealed differences in the signatures on the disputed documents and the genuine signatures of Buhari and the ex-SGF.

He explained, “The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art as the pen movement form and formation of the signatures and the skill of execution were found to be different.” Haruna pointed out variations in pen movement impulses, loop formation, tremors, and other individual characteristics.

EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), requested to tender the forensic report and related documents as exhibits, a request unopposed by Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa (SAN). Justice Hamza Muazu admitted the documents as evidence and marked them exhibits FDE.

During cross-examination, Burkaa inquired about how the court would determine signature similarity. The witness urged reliance on the forensic report. When asked if Emefiele’s signature was analyzed, Haruna responded negatively, adding that EFCC operatives submitted the materials for analysis.

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