In the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, a forensic document examiner, Bamaiyi Haruna, presented evidence suggesting that signatures of President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha were forged to facilitate the withdrawal of $6.2 million from the CBN in February 2023.
Haruna, testifying as the sixth prosecution witness, revealed the results of the analysis conducted on the documents used in the alleged fraudulent transaction.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused Emefiele of conspiring with Odoh Ocheme, who is currently on the run, to obtain the funds, claiming it was requested by the SGF.
The forensic expert emphasized discrepancies between the genuine signatures of Buhari and Mustapha and those on the documents in question.
Haruna stated, “The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art.” He pointed out differences in pen movement, loop formation, and the overall skill of execution, confirming that the signatures did not match.
Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the EFCC, sought the court’s approval to tender the forensic report dated January 25, 2024, and other related documents as exhibits in the case.
The trial will continue with the examination of evidence and legal arguments in the coming sessions.
