The witness, Okpoziakpo Eloho, a Commissioner of Police attached to the Force Headquarters’ Fraud Unit, testified as the 14th prosecution witness. Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), he told the court that the funds were approved by Emefiele and fully disbursed.

According to Eloho, investigations carried out by his team showed that the stated purpose of the payment was merely a cover for fraud. He described the transaction as “pure theft” and alleged that the money was obtained under false pretences rather than being used for any legitimate election observer assignment.

The witness identified a presidential directive admitted as Exhibit PD5 and said investigators concluded that the document was used to facilitate the alleged fraud. He added that the investigative team recovered about $800,000 from the funds during the course of its investigation.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, Matthew Burka (SAN), Eloho acknowledged that, as CBN governor at the time, Emefiele had authority over the bank’s funds. He also confirmed that investigators reviewed several documentary exhibits tendered before the court.

He further testified that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, was interviewed during the investigation. According to the witness, Mustapha denied that a signature appearing on one of the documents presented as evidence belonged to him.

Eloho also claimed that the individual who collected the $6.23 million was identified as Jibril Abubakar. However, he told the court that investigations revealed the identity card used by the individual did not belong to a staff member of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, contrary to what the document suggested.

Responding to questions on whether the funds were released in line with established procedures, the witness said due process was not followed. He explained that although the instruction originated from the CBN governor to the Director of Banking Services, the normal approval process should have passed through the deputy governor before execution.

Following the day’s proceedings, Justice Muazu adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

The post Emefiele Trial: Witness Tells Court $6.23m Released for Foreign Election Observer Mission Was ‘Pure Theft’ appeared first on Business Today NG.

The funds were presented by the Commission’s Kano Zonal Directorate following the conclusion of an investigation into the misappropriation of public funds involving two suspects.

The recovery is the culmination of an investigation initiated following intelligence by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), flagging  alleged misappropriation of public funds involving two individuals, Abdullahi Garba and Ayuba Sani.

Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the Commission launched a thorough investigation, during which a total sum of N387,483,488.00 was successfully recovered from the suspects.

Upon  conclusion of the investigation, the duo were arraigned in court on charges related to misappropriation of public funds. Subsequently, one of the suspects, Abdullahi Garba, was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge against him. The second suspect, Ayuba Sani, is currently standing trial.

While presenting the bank draft to the state government representative, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, reiterated the Commission’s unwavering dedication to justice.

“The EFCC remains resolute in its mandate to investigate and ensure the recovery of proceeds of crime.  We are committed to the delivery of justice to all victims of corruption, whether they are individuals or government institutions. This handover is a testament to our determination to ensure that funds meant for the development of the people are not diverted for personal use.”

Receiving the bank drafts on behalf of the Jigawa State Government,  Haruna expressed profound gratitude to the Commission for its diligence, thoroughness and professionalism exhibited throughout the investigation.

“We deeply appreciate the EFCC for its efforts in recovering this substantial amount of money for the people of Jigawa State.  This recovery demonstrates the importance of the anti-graft agency and its commitment to safeguarding public funds. The people of Jigawa are the ultimate beneficiaries of this recovery”, he said.

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