Nigeria has initiated a pursuit, seeking Interpol’s assistance in apprehending three suspects allegedly involved in the theft of $6.2 million from the central bank, utilizing the forged signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The authorities suspect collusion between the suspects and Nigeria’s former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele, who is already facing trial on multiple charges, including the illicit receipt of the $6.2 million. Emefiele, currently out on bail, vehemently refutes all allegations against him.
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This case marks one of the most prominent corruption trials since President Bola Tinubu assumed office last May.
Prosecutors assert that Emefiele unlawfully sanctioned the release of the funds from the central bank vault. In response, Emefiele has dismissed these accusations as “barefaced lies,” urging a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The alleged accomplices of Emefiele—Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ocheme, a former central bank employee—are believed to have fled Nigeria, prompting authorities to enlist Interpol’s aid in their arrest and extradition.
The Nigerian government issued warrants for their arrest following testimony from Boss Mustapha, a senior official from ex-President Buhari’s administration. Mustapha informed the court in Abuja that neither he nor Buhari had authorized the withdrawal of the $6.2 million. He noted discrepancies in the signature used for the transaction, emphasizing that it was an attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature.
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The transaction occurred in cash in January of the preceding year, shortly before the conclusion of Buhari’s presidential term. Prosecutors allege that Emefiele falsified the document requesting the funds, purportedly for the payment of foreign election observers by Buhari.
Emefiele, initially appointed as central bank governor in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, received reappointment by Buhari in 2019. He occupied the position until Tinubu’s assumption of office.
