Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing trial over the alleged theft of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as former Presidential Special Investigator, Jim Obaze, told a Federal High Court that former President Muhammadu Buhari and his former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, should also be prosecuted if investigators believe they played any role in the controversial transaction.
Obaze made the statement while testifying as a prosecution witness in the trial linked to the disputed withdrawal of $6.2 million from the CBN, a case that has continued to generate public interest because of the high-profile personalities connected to it.
According to him, no public official should be shielded from prosecution if evidence establishes their involvement in the alleged illegal disbursement of public funds. He maintained that the rule of law requires that everyone, regardless of status or former office, be held accountable where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing.
The prosecution alleges that the funds were withdrawn from the CBN under controversial circumstances through documents purportedly linked to the Presidency. The transaction has been the subject of investigations over allegations of forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
During cross-examination, Obaze insisted that investigators should not exempt former President Buhari or former SGF Boss Mustapha if the evidence points in their direction. His remarks have added another dramatic twist to the high-profile trial.
However, it is important to note that Obaze’s statement was made in court as part of his testimony and does not amount to a finding of guilt against Buhari or Mustapha. Neither former official has been convicted in connection with the alleged $6.2 million CBN fund withdrawal, and any determination of criminal liability rests with the court after considering all the evidence presented.
The case has attracted nationwide attention as Nigerians await the court’s decision on one of the country’s most closely watched corruption trials.
