$6.23m Fraud Trial: Emefiele Approved Withdrawal From CBN – Police Commissioner
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
A Commissioner of Police, Eloho Ekpoziakpho, has told an FCT High Court in Abuja that the controversial $6.23 million withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria was approved by former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 14 before Justice Hamza Mu’azu on Tuesday, Ekpoziakpho said investigations into the alleged fraud showed the payment—purportedly for foreign election observers—was authorized under Emefiele’s leadership. He added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied ever requesting such funds.
The witness revealed that intelligence gathered during the probe led to Emefiele’s interrogation, with some suspects reportedly confessing to involvement. He also identified documents presented in court, including a letter said to convey presidential approval and a CBN memo directing the payment, which was made on February 8, 2023.
Defence counsel objected to aspects of the testimony, but the court ruled that while the witness could reference admitted documents, he could not interpret their contents.
The trial was adjourned to July 2 and 3, 2026, for continuation.
