Nigeria has reached out to Interpol seeking assistance in apprehending three individuals accused of orchestrating a $6.2 million theft from the central bank. The suspects allegedly used a forged signature attributed to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to authorities, the trio purportedly colluded with Nigeria’s former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele, who is presently facing trial on 20 charges, including the illicit receipt of the aforementioned sum. Emefiele, maintaining his innocence, has been granted bail while awaiting trial.
This case marks a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts since President Bola Tinubu assumed office last May. Prosecutors contend that Emefiele unlawfully authorized the release of funds from the central bank vault. In a statement, Emefiele vehemently refuted the allegations, labeling them as baseless and part of a malicious agenda.
The individuals implicated alongside Emefiele include Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ocheme, a former employee of the central bank. Reports suggest that the suspects have fled Nigeria, prompting authorities to enlist Interpol’s support for their arrest and extradition.
The alleged theft occurred several months before Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential tenure concluded. The government issued warrants for the suspects’ arrest shortly after Boss Mustapha, a senior official from Buhari’s administration, testified in Emefiele’s trial. Mustapha emphasized that neither he nor Buhari had authorized the withdrawal of $6.2 million, noting discrepancies in the signature purportedly from Buhari.
The funds were withdrawn in cash just before the conclusion of Buhari’s presidency. Prosecutors assert that Emefiele manipulated documents to justify the release of funds for foreign election observer payments.
Emefiele, initially appointed as central bank governor in 2014 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, was reappointed by Buhari in 2019. His tenure ended with Tinubu’s assumption of office.
