A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), PW11, on Thursday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Garki Branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents.

The witness, Mr. Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN, gave the testimony during the ongoing trial of former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges bordering on alleged corruption and financial impropriety.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor and Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mr. Maishanu told the court that the cash withdrawal, which allegedly took place on February 8, 2023, was purportedly meant for election observer logistics.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC, the witness said he became acquainted with the defendant in 2015 through one Mr. Eric, who was Mr. Emefiele’s personal assistant at the time.

Mr. Maishanu told the court that in early January 2023, he was approached by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed he was acting on the instruction of Mr. Eric.

“He introduced himself to me and said Mr. Eric, the personal assistant, asked him to see me about some transactions they were processing in the CBN,” the witness said.

He explained that after requesting identification and speaking directly with Mr. Eric to confirm the claim, Alhaji Ahmed told him that they were processing a payment allegedly authorised by the President.

“I asked Ahmed what role I was to play because I was not working in the branch where the payment was to be made. He said it was too early and that once they obtained the approval of the government, he would let me know,” he said.

According to the witness, Alhaji Ahmed later returned and claimed that presidential approval had been obtained, after which he sought Mr. Emefiele’s authorisation for the cash withdrawal.

Mr. Maishanu further testified that Alhaji Ahmed insisted on a cash payment and requested assistance in facilitating the transaction.

“I told him I could not go and suggested that I call someone I knew,” he said.

The witness stated that on February 8, his friend, accompanied by a driver, went to the Garki Branch of the CBN and withdrew $6,230,000 in cash.

“Afterwards, they dropped my friend off at the estate known as the 09 Clubhouse on Ibrahim Coomasie Crescent. My friend later called and said they had cashed the money and that Alhaji Ahmed had left with $2.5 million in cash with his friends,” he told the court.

Mr. Maishanu said he advised his friends to retain the remaining funds.

“I saw the cash and told them it was outrageous because we never negotiated any payment with Alhaji Ahmed. I suggested that we keep the money, and they agreed,” he said.

When asked how the CBN disciplines erring staff, the witness explained that sanctions vary depending on the gravity of the offence and may include warnings, demotion, termination, or dismissal, as stipulated in the bank’s human resources handbook.

He added that disciplinary measures are imposed only after investigation by a committee, hearings with affected staff, and recommendations to management.

Mr. Emefiele is standing trial on charges relating to alleged acceptance of gratification, receipt of gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property.