“Nigeria Seeks Interpol’s Aid in $6.2 Million Central Bank Theft Investigation”
In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria has reached out to Interpol for assistance in apprehending three suspects allegedly involved in a staggering $6.2 million theft from the central bank. The audacious heist, reportedly executed through forged signatures, including that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has sent shockwaves through the nation.
Authorities suspect a web of collusion between the suspects and Nigeria’s former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle on 20 charges, including accusations of illicitly receiving the stolen funds. Despite maintaining his innocence and being out on bail, Emefiele’s trial underscores the government’s intensified anti-corruption efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which commenced last May.
According to prosecutors, Emefiele allegedly authorized the release of funds from the central bank vault without proper authorization. Emefiele vehemently refutes these claims, dismissing them as orchestrated attempts to besmirch his reputation.
The alleged accomplices, identified as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and former central bank employee Odoh Ocheme, are named in reports by the state-owned News Agency of Nigeria. Suspected of fleeing the country, authorities are now seeking Interpol’s cooperation to arrest and repatriate them.
As the investigation unfolds, none of the three suspects have issued statements regarding the accusations leveled against them. However, the urgency of the matter is underscored by recent developments, including testimony from Boss Mustapha, a senior official in ex-President Buhari’s administration.
During Emefiele’s trial, Mustapha testified in court, asserting that neither he nor President Buhari had provided signatures to approve the withdrawal of the $6.2 million. He described the signatures on the withdrawal document as a “faint attempt at reproducing [former] President Buhari’s signature,” further emphasizing that the document did not originate from the president’s office.
The funds in question were withdrawn in cash in January last year, mere months before the conclusion of President Buhari’s term, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
As Nigeria grapples with this high-stakes financial scandal, the collaboration with Interpol underscores the nation’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability at the highest levels of government.