A key prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was withdrawn from the apex bank's Garki branch using forged documents.
Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN and the 11th prosecution witness (PW11), gave the testimony on Thursday, January 29, 2026, before Justice Hamza Muazu.
The case is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, EFCC's Director of Public Prosecutions, Maishanu explained that the withdrawal occurred on February 8, 2023, purportedly to cover election-related expenses, including payments for election observers and logistics ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The witness recounted being approached in early January 2023 by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to represent a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Ahmed allegedly said he was directed by Eric Ocheme, described as Emefiele’s personal assistant, and that the funds required Emefiele’s approval following purported presidential authorization.
Maishanu stated that Ahmed requested the money in cash. He facilitated the process, and on the withdrawal date, Ahmed and his driver collected the $6.23 million from the Garki branch. After the cash-out, Ahmed reportedly took $2.5 million, leaving another $2.5 million with Maishanu and associates.
The witness described the volume of cash as "outrageous" and said he later realized the supporting documents were forged, noting the CBN's strict processes for large cash transactions, including traceable signatures and approvals.
Maishanu admitted he did not initially suspect fraud but grew suspicious due to the circumstances and the amount involved.
He told the court he now takes responsibility for his role in the transaction, describing it as a possible "set-up," and confirmed no disciplinary action was taken against him by the CBN board.
The EFCC alleges Emefiele knowingly obtained the funds by false pretenses, claiming they were for international election observers, as part of broader charges including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
Justice Muazu adjourned the trial to Friday, January 30, 2026, for continuation. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to the amended multi-count charge.
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