The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor Godwin Emefiele continued on Monday, April 27, 2026, with fresh claims that $6.23 billion was moved from the bank to fund foreign observers for the 2023 general election.
The allegation was made at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, before Justice Hamza Muazu.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining by false pretence.
Chinedu Eneanya, testified as the 13th witness in the case, led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
Eneanya told the court he was part of the team that investigated allegations against the former CBN governor.
According to him, investigators found that $6.23 billion was allegedly withdrawn from the CBN and labelled as funds meant for foreign election observers during the 2023 elections.
He also said several people linked to the transaction were invited and questioned during the investigation.
The witness told the court that investigators recovered documents used to approve the release of the funds.
He added that the probe showed the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were allegedly forged to authorise the payment.
Eneanya said forensic analysis later confirmed that the signatures were not genuine.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the witness said five CBN officials who signed the internal memo connected to the transaction were suspended by the bank.
Earlier in the hearing, Burkaa asked the court to close the prosecution’s case if it failed to present its remaining two witnesses at the next sitting.
He accused the prosecution of delaying the matter and frustrating the defendant.
However, Oyedepo opposed the application. He said the prosecution was not trying to delay proceedings.
According to him, the remaining witnesses are outside the court’s jurisdiction and are currently in Benin City and Lagos.
Justice Muazu directed both parties to reserve their arguments on the application until final addresses.
He also ordered the prosecution to work with the court registrar to issue subpoenas for the remaining witnesses.
The court later adjourned the case until Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of the Emefiele trial.