Witness testifies suspects confessed to $6.23 million fraud in Emefiele's trial
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
During the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a police commissioner, Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, testified that suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank. Emefiele faces a 20-count charge including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and abuse of office, related to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million intended for international election observers during the 2023 general election. Okpoziakpo, a Commissioner of Police with the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, was part of a team assisting a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the CBN. He stated that intelligence reports indicated the money was fraudulently withdrawn with Emefiele's approval. The witness added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied requesting funds for election observers, contrary to claims. The withdrawal was reportedly supported by documents, including a letter conveying purported presidential approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari. Okpoziakpo identified documents admitted as evidence, including a request for funds directed to Emefiele and the purported approval. The case has been adjourned until July 2 for further hearing.
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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, successfully rescued 14 victims who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue operation, announced by Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, was a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements in the maritime corridor. All victims were rescued without harm and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families. Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu commended the joint security team for the successful operation, highlighting it as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The incident, which occurred when a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron was intercepted, had previously drawn attention from the Senate, which urged security agencies to intensify operations in the Niger Delta waterways.
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Former lawmaker Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central, has acquired the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the All Progressives Congress to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat. This action marks his official entry into the upcoming electoral race. Sani, a human rights activist and politician, previously served in the Senate for Kaduna Central and is recognized in Nigerian politics. His participation is anticipated to influence the dynamics of the contest in the district due to his grassroots support and political background. Observers and party stakeholders suggest this development could increase competition among those seeking the APC ticket in Kaduna Central. The sale of forms is scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions closing on May 4, 2026. Aspirant screening is set for May 6 to May 9, 2026, covering various political offices. Primary elections will commence on May 15, 2026, and conclude on May 23, 2026.
Mustapha Gubio, the immediate past Commissioner for Works and Housing in Borno State, has obtained the nomination form to run in the upcoming governorship election. Gubio, who is the first aspirant to get the APC gubernatorial nomination form in the state, presented the form to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri. This was confirmed by the governor's spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, who shared a photo of the event. Gubio's entry into the race follows Governor Zulum's dissolution of the State Executive Council on March 30, a move intended to allow council members to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections. Gubio previously oversaw infrastructure projects as Commissioner for Works and Housing.