Boss Gida Mustapha, the Second Prosecution Witness, made a startling discovery during the trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stating that the signature of the former President Muhammadu Buhari on the document requesting the $6.2 million withdrawal from the CBN was forged.
When Boss Mustapha, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appeared before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, he adamantly denied knowing about or having any participation in the contentious transaction. The trial’s main focus has been the withdrawal, which was purportedly made for foreign election observers during the general election in 2023.
Mustapha categorically stated that neither President Buhari nor himself raised a memo directing the CBN to disburse the substantial sum in cash. In a decisive assertion, he asserted, “My Lord, all through my years in service at my capacity, I never came across such a document. Having served for five years, seven months, I can say this document did not emanate from the office of the President.”
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation challenged the authenticity of the correspondence presented by Emefiele, emphasizing that a correspondence bearing the President’s seal requires no reference number, as the seal itself is the authority. Mustapha, a custodian of records, discredited the claimed presidential directive, stating, “I am his subordinate, so nothing of such would emanate.”
Mustapha raised questions about the term ‘Special Appropriation Provision’ mentioned in the correspondence, asserting that it was not a term familiar to him in all his years of service. He further dismissed the notion that the Nigerian government would finance foreign observers, emphasizing that such responsibility falls under the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under cross-examination, Mustapha affirmed that the FEC meeting in question was the first of the year, not the 187th session, and was presided over by the Vice President in the absence of the President. He clarified that the agenda for the meeting did not include any item related to foreign observers, refuting Emefiele’s claims.
Denying any knowledge of a Special Taskforce or Jibril Abubakar, alleged as the coordinator of the Taskforce, Mustapha disassociated himself from the scandal. He stated, “I wish to state, my Lord, that I am not aware of any Special Taskforce, and I do not know one Jibril Abubakar.”
Addressing allegations on social media, Mustapha disclosed that he became aware of the scandal when rumors circulated, asserting that he and the defendant conspired to embezzle the funds. In response, he released a Press Release exonerating himself and encouraging further investigation to uncover the truth.
As the trial unfolds, the revelation of a disputed presidential signature adds a layer of complexity to the case. Justice Muazu has adjourned the matter for further proceedings, scheduled for 7th, 11th, and 25th March 2024. The courtroom drama promises to expose more details as the legal battle continues.
Boss Gida Mustapha, the Second Prosecution Witness, made a startling discovery during the trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stating that the signature of the former President Muhammadu Buhari on the document requesting the $6.2 million withdrawal from the CBN was forged.
When Boss Mustapha, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appeared before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, he adamantly denied knowing about or having any participation in the contentious transaction. The trial’s main focus has been the withdrawal, which was purportedly made for foreign election observers during the general election in 2023.
Mustapha categorically stated that neither President Buhari nor himself raised a memo directing the CBN to disburse the substantial sum in cash. In a decisive assertion, he asserted, “My Lord, all through my years in service at my capacity, I never came across such a document. Having served for five years, seven months, I can say this document did not emanate from the office of the President.”
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation challenged the authenticity of the correspondence presented by Emefiele, emphasizing that a correspondence bearing the President’s seal requires no reference number, as the seal itself is the authority. Mustapha, a custodian of records, discredited the claimed presidential directive, stating, “I am his subordinate, so nothing of such would emanate.”
Mustapha raised questions about the term ‘Special Appropriation Provision’ mentioned in the correspondence, asserting that it was not a term familiar to him in all his years of service. He further dismissed the notion that the Nigerian government would finance foreign observers, emphasizing that such responsibility falls under the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under cross-examination, Mustapha affirmed that the FEC meeting in question was the first of the year, not the 187th session, and was presided over by the Vice President in the absence of the President. He clarified that the agenda for the meeting did not include any item related to foreign observers, refuting Emefiele’s claims.
Denying any knowledge of a Special Taskforce or Jibril Abubakar, alleged as the coordinator of the Taskforce, Mustapha disassociated himself from the scandal. He stated, “I wish to state, my Lord, that I am not aware of any Special Taskforce, and I do not know one Jibril Abubakar.”
Addressing allegations on social media, Mustapha disclosed that he became aware of the scandal when rumors circulated, asserting that he and the defendant conspired to embezzle the funds. In response, he released a Press Release exonerating himself and encouraging further investigation to uncover the truth.
As the trial unfolds, the revelation of a disputed presidential signature adds a layer of complexity to the case. Justice Muazu has adjourned the matter for further proceedings, scheduled for 7th, 11th, and 25th March 2024. The courtroom drama promises to expose more details as the legal battle continues.
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