In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the Second Prosecution Witness, Boss Gida Mustapha, testified on Tuesday that the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari on the $6.2 million cash withdrawal from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was fake.
Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, refuted claims that the funds were allocated for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
Mustapha vehemently denied any knowledge of the transaction during his tenure and highlighted the absence of documentation from the President’s office. He challenged the authenticity of the correspondence presented by the accused, Godwin Emefiele, emphasizing that presidential seals should suffice as authority without the need for reference numbers.
In a surprising revelation, Mustapha discredited the claimed Federal Executive Council (FEC) decision, citing his role as a custodian of records and stating that such decisions were transmitted through extracts, not letters. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is not responsible for financing foreign observers, asserting that the duty lies with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under cross-examination, Mustapha declared that he did not receive any amount from the contested funds during his service or after leaving office. He adamantly denied any connection to Jibril Abubakar, the alleged coordinator of a Special Taskforce related to the scandal.
Mustapha addressed the social media uproar surrounding the scandal, revealing that he became aware of the accusations through online platforms. To salvage his image and integrity, he issued a Press Release distancing himself from the alleged conspiracy and encouraging a thorough investigation.
The trial, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, is set to continue on March 7, 11, and 25, 2023. The courtroom drama unfolds as the nation awaits further revelations in this high-stakes fraud case involving prominent figures from the previous administration.