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In a riveting trial at the federal high court in Abuja, witness Onyeka Ogbu, a former Deputy Director at the CBN, testified that Godwin Emefiele, the ex-CBN governor, sanctioned $6.2 million for election observers during the 2023 general election. Acting as the first witness for the EFCC in a complex 20-count charge against Emefiele, Ogbu meticulously detailed his responsibilities, emphasizing his role in facilitating fund releases but lacking approval authority.

Ogbu informed the court that on January 8, 2023, he was notified by the Banking Services Department about the $6,230,000 payment request for overseas election observers. Despite having no approval powers, he processed the funds following established procedures. The witness highlighted that his role was strictly facilitative, emphasizing that approvals were beyond his jurisdiction.

During the trial, a startling revelation unfolded as two crucial documents related to the fund disbursement were found missing. The prosecution sought a recess to retrieve the documents, a request contested by the defense attorney, Matthew Burkaa, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Burkaa argued that an adjournment would be more appropriate for the prosecution to gather all Certified True Copies and for the witness's cross-examination.

In the broader context, the EFCC initiated the case against Emefiele on a procurement fraud charge. Among the amended charges, Emefiele is accused of forging a document titled "RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS," dated January 26, 2023. The charges also allege that Emefiele connived with Odoh Ocheme to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming it was requested by the SGF. This fund was ostensibly for the renovation of the CBN Governor's lodge, awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, where Emefiele and Ocheme are directors and majority shareholders.

The trial's adjournment until Tuesday adds suspense to the unfolding proceedings, casting a spotlight on the intricate legal and procedural challenges surrounding the case.