A Deputy Director in charge of Branch Operations in the Central Bank of Nigeria, Onyeka Ogbu, has confirmed a $6.2 million payment request for international election observers in court, in the case against former governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.
At the resumed proceedings, Ogbu who is the prosecution witness, told a Federal Capital Territory High Court that the request was made on January 8, 2023, noting that he reviewed the documents and subsequently gave approval for disbursement, which was then executed.
According to him, a request for payment of $6, 230, 000 was brought to his attention by the Banking Services department on the said date, stating that he minuted on it and sent for processing and disbursement which was complied with.
The former governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, is standing trial on an amended 20 charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust among others preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He was accused of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally obtain a sum of $6.2m.
