In a pivotal moment during the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, the Second Prosecution Witness (PW2), Boss Gida Mustapha, disclosed to Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, that the directive allegedly bearing the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari for a $6,230,000 cash withdrawal from the CBN was false.
Mustapha, who served as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that neither President Buhari nor himself had issued any memo directing the apex bank to disburse such a hefty sum for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
During his testimony, Mustapha emphasized his extensive tenure in office, spanning five years and seven months, and affirmed that no document pertaining to the mentioned transaction had crossed his desk. He pointedly refuted the authenticity of the correspondence provided by Emefiele, highlighting procedural irregularities such as the absence of the President’s seal and a misleading reference number.
Moreover, Mustapha clarified that official communications from the President’s office typically didn’t necessitate reference numbers, and decisions of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were conveyed through extracts, not conventional letters. He underscored his role as a custodian of governmental records, emphasizing that terms like ‘Special Appropriation Provision’ were unfamiliar to him.
In response to questions posed by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedapo SAN, Mustapha corrected discrepancies regarding the purported FEC meeting date, affirming that it was the first meeting of the year, presided over by the Vice President in the absence of the President. He reiterated that no agenda related to foreign observers was discussed or approved during that session.
Denying any involvement in the issuance of the controversial letter, Mustapha reiterated his lack of authority in CBN operations and dismissed any association with the alleged coordinator, Jibril Abubakar, or knowledge of a Special Taskforce.
Under cross-examination by Mathiew Bukka SAN, Mustapha categorically stated that he neither received nor was aware of any personal benefit derived from the contested funds. He vehemently denied any acquaintance with Abubakar, maintaining that his involvement in the scandal was purely speculative and based on unsubstantiated social media rumors.
Notably, Mustapha recounted his proactive efforts to counter the allegations by issuing a Press Release to uphold his integrity and advocate for thorough investigation into the matter.
Consequently, Justice Muazu adjourned the trial until March 7, 11, and 25, 2023, for further proceedings, marking a crucial juncture in the pursuit of justice in this high-profile case.
