Author: Gist Correspondent

A special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu, Jim Obaze, has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, should also face prosecution over the alleged unlawful withdrawal of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Obaze made the recommendation on Friday while testifying as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is facing a 20-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office and fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He argued that Buhari, Mustapha and other officials linked to the transaction should be prosecuted alongside Emefiele, alleging that their actions and inactions contributed to the controversial withdrawal of the funds.

The investigator also questioned the denial by the Presidency and Boss Mustapha of involvement in the transaction, maintaining that documents before him indicated otherwise.

Obaze further faulted officials of the Abuja branch of the CBN, saying the funds were released without the required due diligence. He urged the court to order the arrest and prosecution of Jibril Abubakar, who allegedly collected the money on the authority of the SGF's office, and Bashirudeen Maishanu, a CBN staff member who reportedly admitted involvement and refunded $856,500 to the investigative panel.

According to the witness, the equivalent of the $6.2 million ought to have been deposited in line with the provisions of the CBN Act before the funds were released.

During cross-examination by Emefiele's counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), Obaze admitted that no money was recovered from the former CBN governor and that investigators found no evidence showing any transfer of the funds into Emefiele's personal account.

He, however, maintained that the former CBN governor ought to have been aware of the transaction, arguing that proper use of the bank's CCTV system and Bank Verification Number (BVN) portal could have exposed the alleged fraud before the funds were released.

Obaze also told the court that he was invited by President Tinubu in December 2023, in the presence of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC Chairman, to prepare charges relating to the alleged fraud.

Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until October 20 for the continuation of trial.