CCTV Reveals How Emefiele Removed $6.23 Million Cash From CBN Vault, Did Shady Deals
More revelations have emerged concerning the illegal and suspicious deeds of the embattled ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The special investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Jim Obaze, has exposed another layer of corruption allegedly taking place under Emefiele’s leadership, as detailed in the final report submitted to President Bola Tinubu.
According to the report, Emefiele and the CBN’s management allegedly executed a suspicious payment of $6.23 million from the vault of the apex bank in a single day last February. This revelation has led to recommendations for trial, including top officials such as directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Director, and Branch Controllers of the CBN.
In the document, it is stated that, “Around the date, 7th February and 8th February, 2023, the sum of US$6.23 million was unlawfully removed from the vault cash from the Foreign Payments Office, Abuja Branch, of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The physical acts of the unlawful removal of this amount were captured on the CCTV footage which was viewed and preserved.”
The report outlines a series of letters, approvals, and follow-ups involving prominent figures, including a letter dated 23rd January, 2023, bearing the signature mark “Muhammadu Buhari,” which initiated the process. It further details how the alleged withdrawal was sent for approval to Emefiele, who, according to the report, conveyed consent for the payment.
The document also indicates that an official within the CBN procured the dollar cash and released it to individuals yet to be fully identified. Another official admitted collaboration in conceiving and executing the act of stealing $6.23 million from the CBN’s vault.
Regarding the acquisition of a second-generation bank in 2019, allegedly by Emefiele and a late businessman, the report suggests opaque circumstances and highlights the lack of evidence of payment. Emefiele is described as a “mysterious shareholder” who provided interest-free, long-term loans to the entities acquiring the old-generation bank.
The report underscores discrepancies, stating that the two entities lack a physical presence in Dubai, contrary to their claimed domicile. The investigator concludes that the acquisition investigation is complete, involving meetings with relevant parties, except for an expatriate reportedly hospitalized in Switzerland.
In summary, the report reveals a pattern of financial irregularities, questionable acquisitions, and potential misconduct within the CBN under Emefiele’s leadership.
