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By Oscar Okhifo,
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorised a $6.23 million payment to foreign election observers, describing the transaction as fraudulent and carried out without due process.
The allegation was made during the ongoing trial in which the anti-graft agency is prosecuting Emefiele over alleged financial misconduct while he headed the apex bank.
The prosecution told the court that it relied on documentary evidence, including a letter allegedly issued from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as well as payment records said to have been generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria under Emefiele’s watch.
It insisted that the documents showed approval and release of funds for foreign election observers, but maintained that the process was irregular and in breach of financial regulations.
A prosecution witness, while giving evidence, identified the documents and applied to tender them as exhibits before the court.
But defence counsel kicked against their admissibility, arguing that the witness was not the proper custodian of the records and could not give evidence on how they were generated or authorised.
The defence further insisted that only officials directly responsible for the issuance or custody of the documents could properly lay the foundation for their admission.
The presiding judge, after listening to both sides, adjourned ruling on the objection, stating that a decision would be delivered at a later date.
The matter forms part of ongoing proceedings against Godwin Emefiele, who is facing multiple allegations of financial impropriety since leaving office as CBN governor.
The case was adjourned for continuation of hearing.