A Prosecution witness in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was withdrawn from the apex bank using forged documents.
Bashirudden Maishanu, an assistant director at the CBN and the 11th prosecution witness, gave the testimony on Thursday before Justice Hamza Muazu in the case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo, EFCC director of public prosecutions, Maishanu said the withdrawal was carried out at the Garki branch of the CBN on February 8, 2023.
Witness Account of Alleged Withdrawal
The witness told the court that in 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).
According to Maishanu, Ahmed said he was acting on the directive of Eric Ocheme, identified as Emefiele’s personal assistant while he was CBN governor, and requested a meeting over transactions being processed at the bank.
Maishanu said Ahmed later informed him that presidential approval had been obtained for the payment and that the next step was to secure Emefiele’s approval. He added that Ahmed requested the funds to be paid in cash and asked him to either accompany the cash or recommend someone who could do so.
“I told him I could not go and suggested someone I knew,” he said.
Cash Withdrawal and Handling of Funds
Maishanu testified that on February 8, 2023, the money was withdrawn in cash at the Garki branch of the CBN.
He said Ahmed allegedly left with $2.5 million, while another $2.5 million was left with him and two other individuals.
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“I saw the cash and thought it was outrageous because we never negotiated for any payment,” he said, adding that he advised his friends to keep the money, which they agreed to do.
The witness further told the court that the $6.23 million was purportedly meant to cover election-related expenses, including payments to election observers.
He added that he did not participate in monitoring the 2023 general elections and initially did not know the documents used for the withdrawal were forged.
Cross-examination and Court Proceedings
During cross-examination by Matthew Burkaa, counsel to Emefiele, Maishanu said he did not personally see the approval being signed but insisted that the documents were fraudulent.
“I am sure because the CBN has rigorous processes for payment, especially for cash transactions of that magnitude,” he said.
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Maishanu also told the court that all officials involved in the transaction could be identified through internal documentation, noting that each step in the process carries traceable signatures.
On internal discipline, he said sanctions at the CBN range from warnings to dismissal, depending on the severity of the offence, and are determined by a disciplinary committee in line with the bank’s human resources handbook.
He added that he was not subjected to any disciplinary action by the CBN board over the incident.
Justice Muazu adjourned the matter until January 30, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
