The 11th prosecution witness (PW11), Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, yesterday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure.
Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN, said the cash was withdrawn from the Garki branch of the apex bank on February 8, 2023, purportedly to fund election observers and logistics.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness said he became acquainted with Emefiele in 2015 through one Eric, identified as the former governor’s personal assistant.
Maishanu told the court that in early January 2023, he was approached by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to be working with a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Ahmed, he said, informed him that they were processing a payment from the CBN based on presidential approval.
“I demanded his identification and also asked him to call Mr Eric to confirm his claim.
“When Mr Eric confirmed knowing him, Ahmed explained that once presidential approval was obtained, payment would be processed through the CBN,” the witness said.
About a week later, Ahmed allegedly returned with what he claimed was presidential approval and informed Maishanu that they would seek Emefiele’s consent for a cash withdrawal.
He said Ahmed requested his assistance or a recommendation of someone who could accompany them for the cash transaction.
Maishanu told the court he declined to participate but introduced a friend.
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According to him, on February 8, 2023, the friend and his driver withdrew $6.23 million from the Garki CBN branch.
“After the withdrawal, my friend told me that Ahmed left with $2.5 million in cash alongside others,” he said.
The witness said the remaining cash was brought to his friend’s residence at Ibrahim Coomasie Crescent, Abuja, where he described the amount left behind as “outrageous.”
“I told my friends that we should keep the money because we never negotiated for any payment with Ahmed,” he said.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkar (SAN), Maishanu said he was certain the approval was fraudulent.
“I am sure because the CBN has rigorous procedures for payments, especially for cash transactions of that magnitude,” he said.
He admitted receiving part of the $2.5 million left behind but insisted it was not his personal share and that he did not initially know the transaction was fraudulent.
The witness further stated that he later saw forged documents shown to him by one Mr Obazi, adding that he accepted responsibility because of his involvement.
Maishanu further explained CBN’s disciplinary process, noting that sanctions for erring officials range from warnings to dismissal, following investigations by a disciplinary committee.
He added that he was not sanctioned by the CBN Board over the matter.
He told the court that while he did not personally witness the approval signature, the withdrawal was traceable through internal documentation bearing signatures of all officials involved.
He also stated that approvals for such transactions rest with the CBN Governor or the Committee of Governors.
Trial continues today.
