The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja has been informed that documents used to request the payment of $6.2 million for foreign election observers in 2023 were forged.
Forensic analyst Bamaiyi Meriga made this known on Thursday while giving evidence as a witness in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Emefiele is accused of various offenses, including corrupt advantages, conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining $6.2 million under false pretenses.
During the latest hearing, a forensic analyst confirmed the forgery of a document used to request $6.2 million for foreign election observers.
The witness, Bamaiyi Meriga, called by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed that forensic analysis exposed clear evidence of signature forgery and discrepancies in the seal of execution compared to the original.
The forensic analyst also clarified that neither former President Muhammadu Buhari nor ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had signed the documents.
Justice Muazu admitted two documents, including a presidential directive on foreign observers, as evidence.
Under cross-examination, Meriga clarified his employment status, stating he wasn't an EFCC staff but received his salary from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Meanwhile, Emefiele's counsel, Matthew Burkaa, criticized the witness's conduct, alleging evasion of questions.
In response, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, contested the defense counsel's claims.
The trial is scheduled to resume on March 11 for further proceedings.
