Bamayi Haruna, a forensic document examiner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that former president Muhammadu Buhari did not sign the “presidential approval” used to move USD6,230,000 out of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
EFCC alleged that the said amount was paid to election observers ahead of the 2023 general election.
Haruna testified against a former Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, who is facing a 20-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices and forgery instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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THE WHISTLER recalls that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had told Justice Hamza Muazu that he knew nothing about the transaction and that all through his service year as SGF till May 29, 2023, he never came across a presidential directive or memo from Buhari regarding the money.
At the resumed trial on Thursday, Haruna explained that the specimen signatures on all the documents in dispute “does not rhyme with the signature of Buhari on the disputed document marked X.”
He urged the court to rely on his analysis which showed the signatures were forged.
Subsequently, the judge adjourned to March 13, for the continuation of trial.
THE WHISTLER recalls that Emefiele was re-arraigned on the amended 20 counts charge relating to fraud but he pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him.