The Complexities of Corruption Accusations: Examining Godwin Emefiele's Trial as a Former CBN Governor.

 On Monday, February 12, 2024, Ogau Onyeka Michael, the First Prosecution Witness in the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, or CBN, testified before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, about how the former head of the CBN approved the payment of $6,230,000 (six million, two hundred and thirty thousand dollars) in cash for foreign election observers in the most recent general election in 2023.

According to an EFCC statement, Michael revealed this information while providing testimony in Emefiele's current trial. 

The former head of CBN is on trial before Justice Muazu on 20 revised counts related to criminal breach of trust, corrupt advantages, forgery, and collecting money under false pretenses totaling $6,230,000.00 (six million, two hundred and thirty thousand US dollars).

Michael went on to say that:

While attempting to present all six documents as exhibits, Oyedepo informed the judge that two of the documents bearing the signatures of the President and the former SGF were photocopies. As a result, she only attempted to present the four original documents, hoping the other two would be tendered at a later time during the trial. To go to the CBN building and obtain the original copies, he also requested a 30-minute standdown from the court.

Defense attorney Mathew Bukka, SAN, objected to Oyedepo's requests, stating that the hearing was scheduled for February 12 and 13. He then requested to postpone the proceedings until February 13, further noting that Oyedepo's request for 30 minutes wouldn't be sufficient for the prosecution to obtain the original documents from CBN.