Forgery Allegations: Ex-SGF Testifies Against CBN Governor in $6.2m Withdrawal Case

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha dropped a bombshell on Monday, asserting that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature was forged in the withdrawal of $6,230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023. Mustapha, testifying in the trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, revealed that his own signature was also forged, disclaiming any knowledge of the funds supposedly withdrawn for paying foreign election observers.

Mustapha, speaking as a prosecution witness, emphasized that neither the Federal Government nor the SGF's office had jurisdiction to request funds from the CBN for foreign election observer payments. He underscored that such matters fell solely under the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A startling revelation came from a Deputy Director at the CBN, Michael Onyeka Ogbu, who disclosed that the cash was handed to an official from the SGF's office, Jibril Abubakar, upon approvals by President Buhari and Emefiele. The prosecution pins the blame on Emefiele for orchestrating the withdrawal.

During questioning by the prosecution's lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mustapha, a lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980, confirmed Emefiele's tenure as CBN Governor overlapping with his own term as SGF from 2017 to 2023.

Mustapha firmly denied any involvement or knowledge of the $6,230,000 transaction, stating that he first encountered the purported approval letter from President Buhari in court. He scrutinized the document, casting doubt on its authenticity, particularly noting discrepancies in the signature and the unusual format of addressing FEC decisions.

Citing his extensive experience, Mustapha argued that the document failed to meet established protocols for presidential correspondence, further discrediting its legitimacy. He questioned the absence of a reference number, the faint attempt at reproducing President Buhari’s signature, and the unfamiliar terminology used.

Additionally, Mustapha refuted claims made in the document regarding FEC decisions, asserting that the term "Special Appropriation Provision" was unfamiliar and inconsistent with established procedures. He clarified the protocol for transmitting FEC decisions, emphasizing that they are not conveyed via letters but through official extracts.

Dismissing the assertion that the FEC had approved funds for foreign election observers, Mustapha challenged the accuracy of the document's claims. He confirmed that while an FEC meeting did occur on January 18, 2023, the agenda did not include any item related to foreign election observer payments, a detail corroborated by his role in preparing the agenda as SGF.

Upon reviewing another document purporting to convey presidential approval to the CBN Governor, Mustapha continued to express skepticism, highlighting further inconsistencies and raising doubts about its authenticity.