In today's proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, unfolded further with a forensic analyst, Bamaiyi Meriga, confirming that the documents utilized to request a $6.2 million payment for foreign election observers were forged.
Meriga, called as a witness by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disclosed to the court that after conducting forensic analysis on the contested documents, it was evident that the signatures were forged, and the seal of execution differed from the original.
He further asserted that the signatures did not match those of former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Secretary General of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The two documents, titled "Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election," were admitted as evidence by the trial judge, Justice Muazu.
During cross-examination by Emefiele's counsel, Meriga clarified that he was not an EFCC staff and wasn't remunerated by the anti-graft agency, but his salary was managed by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Emefiele's counsel, Matthew Burkaa, expressed dissatisfaction with the witness's conduct, accusing him of avoiding questions and misleading the court.
On the other hand, the Prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, criticized the defense counsel.
The trial has been adjourned until March 11 for further proceedings.
Emefiele is facing a trial before Justice Muazu on amended charges, totaling 20 counts, including corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretenses, amounting to $6,230,000.
He stands accused of impersonating the SGF to unlawfully obtain the aforementioned sum.
However, the former SGF appeared in court and disclaimed any knowledge of the transaction, asserting that up until his departure from office at the end of May 2023, the document in question did not originate from the office of then-President Buhari.
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