Allegations have surfaced regarding the theft of $6.2 million from the central bank of Nigeria, purportedly executed through the forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature.
The government is now seeking Interpol’s assistance in apprehending three suspects linked to the theft, believed to have conspired with former central bank chief Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele, already facing trial on multiple charges, including the illegal receipt of the embezzled funds, staunchly denies any involvement. Amidst a backdrop of mounting accusations, he has described the allegations as “barefaced lies” and has called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
The alleged perpetrators, Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ocheme, a former central bank employee, are suspected to have fled Nigeria, prompting authorities to escalate the matter to Interpol for their arrest and repatriation.
This was revealed during a court session where Boss Mustapha, a senior official in the previous Buhari administration, testified, asserting that neither he nor the former president had authorized the withdrawal of the substantial sum. Mustapha noted discrepancies in the purported signature, describing it as a “faint attempt” at replicating President Buhari’s distinctive mark.
The illicit withdrawal, occurring months before the end of Buhari’s presidential term, has sparked a wave of scrutiny and calls for accountability. Prosecutors allege that Emefiele orchestrated the falsification of documents, purporting that the funds were designated for foreign election observers.
Emefiele, who assumed the role of central bank governor in 2014 and was reappointed in 2019, held the position until the tenure transitioned to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
