…confirms $6.2m Payment for foreign election observers
The Deputy Director of in charge of Central Bank of Nigeria, Branch Operations in the Onyeka Ogbu, has burst another bubble on Monday, revealing to High Court sitting in Federal Capital Territory Maitama, Abuja that he was aware of a $6.2 million payment request for international election observers.
However, the former governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, who is standing trial on an amended 20 charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust among others preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He was accused of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally obtain a sum of $6.2m.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “Re: Presidential directive on foreign election observer missions” dated January 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.
It was gathered that at the resumed proceedings, Ogbu who is the prosecution witness, said the request was made on January 8, 2023.
He also noted that he reviewed the documents and subsequently gave approval for disbursement, which was then executed.
Ogbu said, “On January 8, 2023, a request for payment of $6, 230, 000 was brought to my attention by the Banking Services department.
(Punch)