By Sabiu Abdullahi
In a shocking revelation during the ongoing fraud trial of the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, disclosed on Tuesday that $6.2 million was illicitly released from the Central Bank in February 2023 using a forged document.
Appearing as the fourth prosecution witness before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Mustapha detailed the alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the unauthorised withdrawal.
He highlighted that neither the documents nor the purported presidential directives bore the authenticity of President Buhari’s office.
Mustapha, who served as SGF for over five years, vehemently denied any involvement in the transaction, asserting that the forged documents did not originate from his office nor did they receive presidential endorsement.
He pointed out numerous discrepancies, including the absence of the presidential seal, irregular reference numbers, and a failed attempt at replicating President Buhari’s signature.
Moreover, Mustapha clarified that the Nigerian government had no mandate to engage foreign election observers, contradicting the purported purpose stated in the forged documents.
During cross-examination, Mustapha refuted claims of authorship or knowledge of the fraudulent letters, firmly stating that they did not adhere to the standard protocols of his office.
He also disassociated himself from the alleged recipient of the funds, Jubril Abubakar, emphasising that Abubakar was not a member of his staff.
In response to inquiries regarding the $6.2 million disbursed to Abubakar, Mustapha reiterated his non-involvement, asserting that the funds were not directed to his office and that he did not receive any portion of the money.
The trial, presided over by Justice Oyedepo, continues as the prosecution seeks to establish the culpability of Emefiele and other accomplices implicated in the alleged fraud scheme.