Courtroom Twist: Witness Takes Responsibility
Latest on Emefiele Trial: Witness Takes Responsibility for $2.5M Withdrawa; In the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a key prosecution witness dramatically took responsibility for part of the controversial cash withdrawal at the centre of the case.
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Who testified: Bashirudeen Maishanu, a Deputy Director in the Banking Supervision Department of the CBN, who was called as the 11th witness by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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What he admitted: Maishanu said he personally accepted responsibility for the disappearance of $2.5 million from the total $6.23 million allegedly fraudulently withdrawn from the CBN.
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Background of the Withdrawal
Latest on Emefiele Trial: Witness Takes Responsibility for $2.5M Withdrawa; According to court testimony and prosecution records:
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The EFCC alleges the $6.23m was obtained under false pretences and was meant to fund international election observers in the 2023 general elections — allegations Emefiele denies.
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The money was withdrawn on 8 February 2023 from the CBN’s Garki, Abuja branch following claims that authorization had been obtained from presidential and CBN channels.
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Documents used to justify the payment allegedly bore forged signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
⚖️ What the Witness Said in Court
Under cross-examination:
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Maishanu said he didn’t know at the time the withdrawal was fraudulent and believed internal CBN processes made the transaction legitimate.
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He testified that all instructions he received regarding the withdrawal came from Eric Ocheme, identified as Emefiele’s former personal assistant, who has not appeared in court.
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The witness insisted he did not meet Emefiele nor receive any cash from him, distancing the former CBN governor from the transaction.
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On receiving the $2.5m portion, Maishanu described the amount as “outrageous” and said he never reported it officially to the CBN.
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He further stated that he has refunded a substantial portion of the money through the presidential special investigator and has since been sanctioned and suspended by the CBN.
⚖️ Legal Context
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Emefiele is facing 20 counts including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
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He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to maintain his innocence.
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The trial is before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Mabushi, Abuja.
Next Steps
Justice Muazu has adjourned the trial to Friday, 30 January 2026, for continuation of proceedings.