On Monday, Onyeka Ogbu, who holds the position of Deputy Director overseeing Branch Operations in the CBN, informed a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama that he had knowledge of a payment request of $6.2 million intended for international election observers.
The former governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, is currently facing trial on an amended set of 20 charges related to criminal conspiracy, giving unfair advantages, and violating trust, among others. These charges have been filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He was alleged to have assumed the role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in order to unlawfully acquire a total of $6.2 million.
During the proceedings, Ogbu, who serves as the prosecution witness, informed the court that the said request was submitted on January 8, 2023.
He observed that they carefully examined the paperwork and subsequently granted authorization for the release of funds, which was then carried out.
Ogbu said, “On January 8, 2023, a request for payment of $6, 230, 000 was brought to my attention by the Banking Services department.
“Ours is to make payment, we don’t have the power to approve.
“Having gone through the documents and satisfied, I minuted on it and sent for processing and disbursement which was complied with.”
CBN director who allegedly took SGF role testifies over $6.2m scam
