A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn in cash from the Garki Branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents during the tenure of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, the EFCC’s 11th prosecution witness (PW11), Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the apex bank, said the withdrawal occurred on February 8, 2023, and was purportedly meant for election observer expenses and logistics.
Maishanu, who was led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that he became acquainted with Emefiele in 2015 through Eric, the former governor’s personal assistant.
According to the witness, he was approached in early January 2023 by a man identified as Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed he was acting on Eric’s instructions regarding certain transactions allegedly being processed at the CBN.
“He introduced himself to me and said Mr. Eric had asked him to see me about some transactions they were processing at the bank,” Maishanu testified.
Becoming suspicious, Maishanu said he requested Ahmed’s identification and asked him to place a call to Eric to confirm his claim. After speaking directly with Eric, the witness said he was satisfied that Ahmed had indeed been sent to him.
Maishanu further told the court that Ahmed claimed the transaction involved a payment from the CBN allegedly approved by the President, adding that the funds would be released once the approval was documented.
“I asked him what role I was expected to play, since I was not posted to the branch where the payment was to be made,” the witness said. “He told me it was too early and that once the government approval was obtained, he would get back to me.”
He testified that about a week later, Ahmed returned and claimed that presidential approval had been secured. When asked to produce the document, Ahmed allegedly showed him a copy and stated that they would now proceed to obtain the approval of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
“At that point, he told me they wanted the payment in cash and asked if I could accompany them or recommend someone to do so,” Maishanu said.
The witness said he declined to be directly involved but suggested someone he knew. He added that Ahmed later informed him that all necessary approvals had been obtained and that the recommended person could proceed to collect the cash.
According to Maishanu, on February 8, 2023, his friend, accompanied by a driver, allegedly withdrew $6.23 million in cash from the CBN Garki Branch.
He told the court that his friend was subsequently dropped off at a location known as the 09 Club House on Ibrahim Coomassie Crescent, where he later received a call confirming the transaction.
“My friend told me the money had been successfully withdrawn and that Alhaji Ahmed left with $2.5 million in cash along with his associates,” the witness stated.
The EFCC said Maishanu further testified that upon seeing the cash, he expressed serious concern about the transaction.
“I thought it was outrageous because we never negotiated any payment with Alhaji Ahmed,” he said, adding that he advised his friends to keep the money, a suggestion they agreed to.
Under further examination, Maishanu explained the disciplinary procedures at the CBN, noting that sanctions for erring staff vary depending on the gravity of the offence and may include warnings, demotion, termination of appointment, or outright dismissal, as provided in the bank’s human resources handbook.
He added that disciplinary actions are preceded by investigations conducted by a duly constituted committee, which holds hearings and makes recommendations to management.
Godwin Emefiele is currently standing trial on charges bordering on corruption, fraudulent receipt of property, accepting gratification, and receiving gifts through agents.
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