Fresh drama unfolded at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, as a senior Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official revealed how $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the apex bank using forged documents under the guise of election logistics.
Testifying as the Eleventh Prosecution Witness (PW11) in the ongoing trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the bank, told Justice Hamza Muazu that the cash was paid out on February 8, 2023, at the Garki Branch of the CBN.
Maishanu said the withdrawal was processed with documents purportedly approved for “election observers and logistics,” which he later discovered were forged.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the witness narrated how he was first contacted in January 2023 by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to be working with a “Special Committee” in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to him, Ahmed said the payment was being processed on presidential approval and later presented documents which he claimed had secured the President’s consent. Maishanu added that Ahmed also insisted on cash payment and requested assistance in facilitating the withdrawal.
He told the court that on February 8, 2023, a friend of his proceeded to the Garki CBN branch and withdrew $6.23 million in cash. He disclosed that Ahmed left the scene with $2.5 million, while the balance was left with him and two others.
“I saw the cash and felt it was outrageous because we never negotiated any payment with Ahmed,” Maishanu said, adding that he advised his friends to keep the money due to the suspicious circumstances.
The witness further explained that the CBN has strict disciplinary measures for staff misconduct, ranging from warnings to dismissal, depending on the gravity of the offence. However, he confirmed that he was not subjected to any disciplinary action by the CBN board over the matter.
Maishanu maintained that while he did not personally witness the signing of the approval, internal CBN documents clearly showed the flow of the transaction and could trace all officials involved. He insisted the approval was fraudulent, stressing that such a large cash withdrawal could not lawfully bypass the bank’s rigorous processes.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkar, SAN, the witness admitted he did not initially know the money was fraudulent, saying his suspicion was triggered by the unusually large sum left behind.
He also told the court that he later confronted another individual, Mr. Obazi, who showed him the forged documents, prompting him to accept responsibility for his involvement to avoid reputational damage.
