A CBN witness alleges a forged $6.23m withdrawal using fake approvals during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure, the court heard in Abuja
An Assistant Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, on Wednesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court how a forged $6.23 million withdrawal was allegedly executed during the tenure of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
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Testifying as the 11th prosecution witness before Justice Hamza Muazu in Abuja, Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu said the cash was withdrawn from the Garki branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria on February 8, 2023.
He said the withdrawal was presented as funding for election observers and logistics, allegedly backed by presidential approval.
Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Maishanu said he became acquainted with Godwin Emefiele in 2015 through Eric, identified as the former governor’s personal assistant.
He told the court that in early January 2023, one Alhaji Ahmed approached him, claiming to be working with a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to Maishanu, Ahmed said the payment process was based on presidential approval and sought his cooperation.
He said he demanded identification and requested confirmation from Eric, who acknowledged knowing Ahmed.
Maishanu said Ahmed later returned with documents said to be presidential approval and indicated plans to seek Godwin Emefiele’s consent for a cash withdrawal.
He told the court that Ahmed requested assistance or a recommendation of someone to accompany them for the transaction.
Maishanu said he declined direct involvement but introduced a friend.
He said that on February 8, 2023, the friend and a driver withdrew the $6.23 million from the Garki branch of the apex bank.
According to the witness, Ahmed allegedly left with $2.5 million in cash after the withdrawal.
Maishanu said the balance was taken to his friend’s residence in Abuja, where he described the remaining sum as outrageous.
He told the court that he advised keeping the money, stating that no payment terms had been agreed with Ahmed.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkar (SAN), Maishanu said he was convinced the approval used was fraudulent.
He said the Central Bank of Nigeria operates strict procedures for high-value cash transactions, making the approval suspicious.
The witness admitted receiving part of the money left behind but said it was not a personal benefit and that he initially believed the transaction was legitimate.
Maishanu said he later saw forged documents shown to him by one Mr Obazi and accepted responsibility for his role in the transaction.
He explained that the CBN disciplinary process includes sanctions ranging from warnings to dismissal after investigation by a disciplinary committee.
He added that the CBN Board did not sanction him over the incident.
Maishanu told the court that although he did not personally sight the approval signature, the withdrawal was traceable through internal documents bearing officials’ signatures.
He said approvals for such transactions rest with the CBN Governor or the Committee of Governors.
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The trial continues today.
