In a significant development, a forensic document examiner attached to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bamaiyi Haruna, revealed on Thursday that an analysis of the documents used to release $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 showed evidence of forgery.
The EFCC had alleged that on February 8, 2023, former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele colluded with Odoh Ocheme, who is currently evading authorities, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN. They claimed it was 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/.
At the previous court session, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha clarified that the documents did not originate from former President Muhammadu Buhari or his office. Mustapha also stated that the Federal Government had no involvement with foreign election observers.
Haruna, the sixth prosecution witness in the case, declared that after analyzing the genuine signatures of Buhari and the former SGF, it was evident that the signatures on the disputed documents were different.
He stated, “The analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art, as the pen movement form and formation of the signatures were found to be different from that of the specimen signatures A to A2 and B to Bi.”
The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), applied to tender the forensic report and other related documents as exhibits, which were admitted by Justice Hamza Muazu.
During cross-examination, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), inquired about the determination of signature similarity. Haruna emphasized reliance on the forensic report.
When asked if Emefiele’s signature was analyzed, Haruna responded in the negative, clarifying that EFCC operatives submitted the materials for analysis.
The proceedings were adjourned until March 11.
