JUDICIARY
Emefiele: Former SGF Distances Self, Buhari From Alleged $6.2bn Withdrawal from CBN
From Lateef Taiwo
In the resumed trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, told the court that the withdrawal of $6.2 million dollars payment for foreign election observers was not authorised by him.
Mustapha who appeared as a witness in the ongoing trial mounted the box and testified as the fourth prosecution witness, PW-4.
He informed the open court that that both his signature and that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was forged by those that withdrew $6,230,000 from the vault of the apex bank on February 8, 2023.
He told the court that he was neither aware nor took part in any correspondence that led to the withdrawal of the fund which was allegedly meant for the payment of foreign election observers.
Led in evidence by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the former SGF maintained that documents that authorised the withdrawal of the money, neither emanated from his office nor the presidency.
He equally denied receiving any amount from the said money.
While faulting the authorization letter that was purportedly issued from his office, Mustapha, told the court that it was not the business of the federal government or the office of the SGF to request funds from the CBN for the payment of foreign election observers.
He said the responsibility of relating with such observers was solely that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
While distancing himself from the withdrawal, the witness, said: “My lord, all through my service year as the SGF, I never came across these documents.
“It was claimed that Buhari also signed, but on the face value of this document, having served for five years and seven months as SGF, this document did not emanate from the president for the following reasons.
“A correspondent that has the seal of Nigeria does not carry a reference number. The seal is the authority.
“Secondly, I have looked at it and read the document. Federal Executive Council, FEC, decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted.
“Thirdly, I am the custodian of FEC, the president will not refer executives’ conclusions to me.
“Also, in all the five years and seven months I stayed in office, I never heard of the term ‘Special Appropriation Provision’, referred to me.
“The terms known to me my lord are appropriation as provided by the Appropriation Act, which is normally passed by the National Assembly. When the government file drafts, it brings Supplementary Appropriation.
“In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had or ended with: ‘Please accept the assurance of my highest regard.’
“I am his subordinate. My correspondences do not carry that.
“And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature. I will leave that to the experts,” he added.
Recall that yesterday an official of the apex bank, Mr. Onyeka Ogbu, had earlier in his testimony, told the court that the money was withdrawn and handed in cash to an official from the office of the SGF, named Jibril Abubakar.
He said the action was backed by approvals by both President Buhari and the former apex bank cheif Emefiele, following a request by the ex-SGF, Mustapha.
However, in his evidence, the former SGF told the court that he never knew the said Abubakar, adding that he was not a staff in his office.
He equally told the court that contrary to the claim in the letter, President Buhari did not preside over the FEC meeting on the day the purported approval was given, but the then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Meanwhile, trial Justice Hamza Muazu has adjourned further hearing in the matter till March 7.
From Hassan Taiye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been praised for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the legal profession. Since assuming office, Osigwe has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
According to Barrister Hamza N Dantani, Osigwe’s leadership has been marked by bold initiatives, fearless advocacy, and groundbreaking reforms. He has restored the NBA’s traditional role of holding leaders accountable and promoting the rule of law, challenging unconstitutional actions and human rights abuses.
One of the notable achievements of Osigwe’s presidency according to Hamza, is the repositioning of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). The introduction of a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regime has elevated professional competence and aligned the Nigerian Bar with international standards.
“Osigwe has also been instrumental in promoting human rights and public interest litigation. He has spearheaded campaigns against arbitrary arrests, electoral malpractice, and anti-democratic legislation, and established regional litigation committees nationwide”
“The NBA President’s commitment to technology and innovation has also been noteworthy. The launch of the Digital Annual Practice License and the digitization of the Letter of Good Standing have marked a new era in transparency and efficiency within the profession”
He further stated that ” Osigwe’s administration has prioritized the growth and success of young lawyers. The Nigerian Bar Association–Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) has introduced tailored mentorship, support programs, and funding initiatives to address the challenges faced by young lawyers”
“The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference, organized under Osigwe’s leadership, was hailed as one of the most successful in the history of the Association. The conference equipped lawyers with practical strategies to navigate contemporary legal and societal challenges.”
“Engine’s leadership style has been described as inclusive, humble, and genuinely committed to serving the legal profession. His detribalized approach has earned him respect across regions, political divides, and professional ranks.”
He expressed optimising that ” As Osigwe continues to lead the NBA, his legacy is expected to leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape. His commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law has restored the NBA’s image as the nation’s conscience”.
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a legal scholar and judicial reform advocate, has praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her decisive action in addressing misconduct within the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently sanctioned five judicial officers for professional breaches, including age falsification and other misconducts. The decisions were made during the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.
Judges Sanctioned for Misconduct
Among those sanctioned were:
- Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, who was recommended for compulsory retirement effective October 27, 2021. Justice Chikeka was found to have falsified his date of birth, with inconsistencies noted between 1956 and 1958. He was also directed to refund salaries and allowances received after his official retirement date.
- Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, was also recommended for compulsory retirement after discrepancies in his date of birth were discovered. Records showed three different birth dates, while his actual year of birth was determined to be 1952. The NJC found that he should have retired 12 years ago and ordered him to refund salaries and allowances received during this period.
- Justice G.C. Aguma of Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court were suspended from duties for one year.
Odinkalu’s Commendation
Reacting to the NJC’s decision, Professor Odinkalu commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her swift and decisive response.
“Madam CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has acted swiftly on this matter of age falsification by the Chief Judge of Imo State. She has done the right thing the right way,” Odinkalu stated.
He expressed hope that this move would signal a new era of improved judicial standards under Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the NJC.
NJC’s Commitment to Judicial Integrity
The NJC emphasized its zero-tolerance for misconduct, reiterating its commitment to upholding integrity within the judiciary. The council urged judicial officers to adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards.
The actions taken are seen as a bold step toward restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on judges and lawyers to avoid delivering conflicting rulings, which he says undermine justice and governance. His warning follows conflicting judgments that nearly disrupted the local government election in the state.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony in Port Harcourt, Fubara criticized legal professionals who compromise their integrity for personal gain. He emphasized the sacred role of the judiciary in upholding justice and urged judges to remain steadfast in truth.
“You are the god that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us,” Fubara stated, adding that those who compromise justice would face severe consequences, both legally and morally.
Fubara praised the Rivers State judiciary, particularly the High Court, for their support in maintaining stability despite external pressures. He acknowledged threats and assaults faced by judicial officers but encouraged them to remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
In his sermon, Bishop Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo echoed the governor’s concerns, highlighting the negative impact of conflicting judgments on Nigeria’s unity and governance. The bishop warned that those responsible for such actions would eventually face divine punishment.
Governor Fubara concluded by emphasizing the need for strong institutions to safeguard democracy and ensure societal prosperity.
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