In a significant development at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), forensic document examiner Bamaiyi Haruna testified on Thursday that an analysis conducted on documents used to release $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in February 2023 revealed them to be forged.
The EFCC had alleged that on February 8, 2023, former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, in collaboration with Odoh Ocheme—who is presently evading authorities—obtained $6.2 million from the CBN under pretenses. They claimed the funds were requested by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) via a letter dated January 26, 2023, with Reference Number SGF.43/L.01/.
Moreover, the anti-graft agency accused Emefiele of forging a document titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated January 26, 2023, with Reference Number SGF.43/L.01/201.
During the preceding court session, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disavowed the documents, asserting they did not originate from former President Muhammadu Buhari or his office. Mustapha also clarified that the Federal Government had no involvement with foreign election observers.
As the sixth prosecution witness in the case, Haruna presented damning evidence. He disclosed, “The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art as the pen movement form and formation of the signatures and the skill of execution were found to be different from that of the specimen signatures A to A2 and B to Bi.”
Furthermore, Haruna highlighted discrepancies in the signatures, stating, “The form and formation of the disputed signatures marked X1 and Specimen signature A2 were also found to be different in respect to pen movement impulses, initial and terminal strokes, loop formation, presence of tremors, and individual characteristics.”
Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), counsel for the EFCC, swiftly moved to have a forensic report dated January 25, 2024, and other attached documents admitted as exhibits. Emefiele’s legal representative, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), offered no objection. Consequently, Justice Hamza Muazu admitted the evidence, marking them as exhibits FDE.
During cross-examination, Burkaa sought clarification on how the court would determine the similarity or dissimilarity of two signatures. Haruna suggested relying on the forensic report. When asked if Emefiele’s signature underwent analysis, Haruna replied negatively, affirming that EFCC operatives submitted the materials for analysis and identified the disputed signatures.
The proceedings adjourned until March 11, marking another milestone in the legal battle concerning the alleged forgery and misappropriation of funds. This revelation underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combatting financial crimes and ensuring accountability within Nigeria’s financial institutions.
