Witness Affirms $6.2 Million Payment for Overseas Election Observers

On Monday, Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director overseeing Branch Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, testified in a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, confirming his awareness of a $6.2 million payment request for international election observers.

The trial involves the former governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, who faces an amended set of 20 charges, including criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Emefiele stands accused of assuming the identity of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to unlawfully acquire $6.2 million. The prosecution alleges that in January 2023, Emefiele forged a document titled: “Re: Presidential directive on foreign election observer missions,” dated January 26, 2023, bearing reference number SGF.43/L.01/201.