Breaking: Documentation-Reveals Division Of $6.2M Allegedly-Taken From CBN For Election-Observers (Details)

Breaking: Documentation-Reveals Division Of $6.2M Allegedly-Taken From CBN For Election-Observers (Details)

Documentation has exposed how $6,230,000 in cash, allegedly taken from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023, was divided. A special presidential investigative team, led by Jim Obaze, claimed that the money was withdrawn under the pretense of paying election observers.

Court documents obtained by The Nation reveal that the theft was allegedly an insider job involving CBN officials and two outsiders. The investigation alleged that Odoh Eric Ocheme, former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele’s personal assistant, received $3,730,000, while $2,500,000 was split among three others.

Emefiele has been charged with complicity in the theft, but pleaded not guilty. A CBN Deputy Director confirmed the cash withdrawal, stating it was approved by relevant authorities. The investigation revealed that the letters authorizing the payment were forged, and some of the stolen funds were invested in real estate.

An affidavit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja detailed the investigation’s findings and the ongoing extradition proceedings against the alleged perpetrators, who are reportedly at large.