The trial of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as a prosecution witness told a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the apex bank using forged documents.

Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN and the 11th prosecution witness, disclosed that the cash was withdrawn from the Garki branch of the CBN on February 8, 2023.

Maishanu, who was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, said he was first approached in January 2023 by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to be working with a special committee in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

According to the witness, Ahmed informed him that he was acting on the instruction of Eric Ocheme, identified as Emefiele’s personal assistant while he was CBN governor, and that the transaction already had presidential approval, pending Emefiele’s consent.

Maishanu told the court that Ahmed insisted the funds be released in cash and requested that he either accompany the money or nominate someone to do so.

“I told him I could not go and suggested someone I knew,” the witness said.

He further testified that the money was eventually withdrawn on February 8, 2023, adding that Ahmed left with $2.5 million in cash, while another $2.5 million was left with him and two others.

“When I saw the cash, I felt it was outrageous because there was never any agreement for payment,” he said, noting that he advised his colleagues to hold on to the money.

Maishanu told the court that the funds were allegedly meant for election-related expenses, including payments to election observers.

On internal disciplinary measures at the CBN, the witness explained that sanctions for misconduct range from warnings to dismissal, depending on the severity, and are determined by a disciplinary committee in line with the bank’s human resource policies. He added that no disciplinary action was taken against him by the CBN board over the incident.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, Maishanu admitted he did not personally see the approval documents being signed but insisted the transaction was fraudulent.

“I am certain because the CBN operates strict procedures for payments, especially cash transactions of such magnitude,” he said.

He also stated that all officials involved in the withdrawal could be identified through internal documentation, as every stage of the process bears traceable signatures.

The witness admitted he did not take part in monitoring the 2023 general elections and said he was initially unaware that the documents used for the transaction were forged. He, however, told the court that he later discovered the forgery and described the incident as a “set-up,” while accepting responsibility for his role.

Justice Muazu adjourned the case till January 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.