Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, is currently on trial for corrupt activities involving the payment of $6,230,000 to international election observers. The First Prosecution Witness, Ogau Onyeka Michael, testified and revealed how Emefiele authorized the disbursement of the funds in cash. This revelation was made during the ongoing trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Michael, a former branch controller at the CBN, detailed how the funds were requested, approved, and ultimately paid to election observers in cash. He highlighted the specific instructions and approval involved in the process, stating that the payment was for election observation and needed to be refunded in the second quarter of 2023 by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
During the trial, there was a dispute over the tendering of documents as exhibits, leading to a request for a 30-minute stand-down to secure original copies from the CBN. The defense counsel objected to this request, arguing for an adjournment of the proceeding until the following day.
The court eventually adjourned the matter for continuation of the trial to February 13, 2024. The case against Emefiele includes allegations related to corrupt advantages, conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust, among others. The trial will continue with further testimony and evidence.
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