Emefiele approved $6.23m payment to foreign election observers, Police Commissioner confirms

Commissioner of Police, Eloho E. Ekpoziakpho, testified before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, confirming that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, approved the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN.

Ekpoziakpho, the 14th Prosecution Witness (PW14) in the ongoing trial of Emefiele, explained that intelligence gathered during the investigation revealed that the payment had been authorized by the former CBN Governor. Emefiele is facing 20 charges including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain money under false pretenses.

The witness, a Commissioner in the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of Lagos, outlined his role in the investigation, which also focused on economic sabotage and terrorism financing. He shared that the probe uncovered fraudulent activities related to the $6.23 million payment made to foreign election observers. Despite claims from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) denying any request for such payment, Ekpoziakpho confirmed that the document from the SGF—purportedly conveying approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari—was found and processed by the CBN.

During the trial, Ekpoziakpho presented Exhibit PD6, which was a letter dated January 26, 2023, directing Emefiele, as CBN Governor, to authorize the payment. He explained that this approval had been honored and that the $6.23 million was transferred on February 8, 2023.

The police officer also presented Exhibit PD1, detailing the payment made in dollars, and Exhibit PD2, a memo from the CBN’s Director of Banking Services, which instructed the transfer of funds.

Defense Counsel Matthew Burkaa, SAN, objected to the witness giving evidence on documents provided by the prosecution, citing Section 128 of the Evidence Act. However, Prosecution Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, argued that the documents were already admitted into evidence and that the witness was simply providing context for them. Justice Mu’azu ruled that the witness could explain the documents, but could not delve into their specifics.

Earlier, Ekpoziakpho identified Jim Obazee, the special investigator appointed by the President, confirming his collaboration in interrogating suspects and gathering intelligence for the case.

The trial was adjourned to July 2 and 3, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.