An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator on Thursday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, did not personally benefit from the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank's vault in February 2023.
The investigator, Eloho Okpoziakpo, made the disclosure during cross-examination by Emefiele's counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), in the ongoing trial over alleged procurement fraud, forgery, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
When asked whether Emefiele received any part of the money, either in cash or by transfer, Okpoziakpo replied: **"No, he did not."
The witness also confirmed that the individual who collected the cash was identified in the investigation as **Jubril Abubakar**.
"Yes. Jubril Abubakar," he said when asked to read the name of the recipient from an exhibit before the court.
The alleged $6.23 million withdrawal forms part of the 20-count charge filed against Emefiele by the EFCC. Prosecutors allege the funds were obtained through a forged letter purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), claiming presidential approval for a "contingent logistic advance."
Earlier in his testimony, Okpoziakpo maintained that Emefiele approved the release of the funds, describing the transaction as **"pure theft."**
However, under cross-examination, the investigator acknowledged that no proceeds of the disputed funds were traced to the former CBN governor.
The witness further told the court that Bashirudeen Maishanu, a CBN official, admitted involvement in the withdrawal during the investigation.
"Yes, he did," Okpoziakpo responded when asked whether Maishanu confessed to stealing the money.
He also disclosed that part of the $6.23 million had been recovered from Maishanu, while none was recovered from Emefiele.
Okpoziakpo confirmed that Abubakar, who allegedly collected the cash, was neither an employee of the SGF's office nor standing trial in the case.
The investigator also recalled that Emefiele denied authorising the withdrawal when questioned by the EFCC.
"The defendant denied signing for the approval or release of the money. He also denied receiving any letter from the SGF and stated that the signature on the documents was not his," the witness said.
During further questioning, Okpoziakpo admitted that although forensic analysis was conducted on the signature of former SGF Boss Mustapha, the EFCC did not carry out a similar examination on Emefiele's signature.
"It would have been desirable to carry out a similar forensic examination on Mr Emefiele's signature," he told the court.
Under re-examination by the prosecution, Okpoziakpo insisted that, as CBN governor, Emefiele exercised authority over the release of the bank's funds.
"While he was governor of CBN, he had dominion over all funds, and the release of funds carried his approval," he said.
Justice Hamza Muazu later declined the prosecution's request to pursue further clarification on the issue, ruling that the court would not allow the investigating officer to conclude his investigation during proceedings.
The court subsequently discharged the witness and adjourned the trial until Friday.
