The legal proceedings against the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, unfolded on Thursday before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. A forensic analyst, Bamaiyi Meriga, called by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), confirmed that documents used to request the payment of $6.2 million for foreign election observers were forged.

Meriga informed the court that, following a forensic analysis of the disputed documents, clear evidence of forgery was discovered. Notably, the signatures and the seal of execution differed from the original, and the signatures did not match those of former President Muhammad Buhari and ex-Secretary General of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The trial judge, Justice Muazu, admitted the two documents, the presidential directive on foreign observer election, and the presidential directive on foreign observer election, as evidence.

Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, the witness clarified that he was not an EFCC staff and was not paid by the anti-graft agency; his salary was domiciled with the Nigeria Immigration Service.

While expressing displeasure over the witness’s conduct, Burkaa accused the witness of evading questions. In response, Prosecution Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo expressed dissatisfaction with the defense counsel. The trial is adjourned until March 11 for continuation.