By Abimbola Ogunnaike
At a resumed trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Thursday, 7 March, 2024 in Abuja, a forensic analyst confirmed that a document used to request the payment of $6.2million for foreign election observers was forged.
The forensic expert named Bamaiyi Meriga, called by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made this disclosure before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Recall that Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Muazu on 20-count amended charges bordering on corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretenses to the tune of $6,230,000.
The witness, Meriga, informed the court that following forensic analysis of the disputed documents, he discovered that there was clear evidence of forgery of signature, adding that the seal of execution was different from the original.
He also confirmed that the signatures were not those of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Two documents, including presidential directive on foreign observers, were admitted in evidence by the trial judge, justice Muazu.
Under cross-examination by counsel for Emefiele, the witness said he was not a staff of the EFCC, and was not being paid by the anti-graft agency but that his salary was domiciled with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Counsel for Emefiele, Matthew Burkaa, expressed displeasure over the conduct of the witness, saying that the witness misled the court by evading questions.
However, the Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, was not happy with the claims made by the defence counsel.
The trial has been adjourned till March 11 for continuation.
