New evidence has come to light regarding the theft of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023.
According to court documents, the stolen funds were shared among several individuals, including CBN officials and two outsiders, Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar.
The documents, which were sighted by Diaspora Digital Media, reveal that Odoh Eric Ocheme, a personal assistant to the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, received the largest share of $3.73 million.
The remaining $2.5 million was shared by three others, including Bashirudeen Maishanu, a senior staff member of the CBN.
The theft was allegedly carried out by CBN officials with the connivance of the two outsiders.
Investigators have described the incident as an insider job, with the perpetrators using forged documents and fake identities to carry out the heist.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 20-count amended charge against Emefiele, who has denied any involvement in the theft.
However, a Deputy Director at the CBN, Michael Onyeka Ogbu, has confirmed the withdrawal of the funds, stating that he was convinced by the necessary authorities to release the payment.
Further investigation has revealed that some of the beneficiaries invested their shares of the loot in real estate, with part of the funds already recovered.
The EFCC has initiated extradition proceedings against Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Eric Ocheme, who are believed to be at large and have fled the country.
The case has raised questions about the security measures in place at the CBN and the involvement of senior officials in the theft. The EFCC has promised to continue investigating the matter to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
In related news, the CBN has confirmed the deposit of $2.9 billion in a special account to stabilize the forex market.
The bank has also reaffirmed the financial stability of Nigerian banks. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for an investigation into Heritage Bank’s alleged involvement in forex fraud.
