Boss Mustapha, Former SGF, Appears in Court Over Alleged $6.2M Mismanagement

By Mohammed Bello Doka

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, found himself at the center of a courtroom drama as he appeared as a key witness in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over allegations of mismanagement involving $6.2 million.

In a packed courtroom, Mustapha vehemently denied any involvement in authorizing the disbursement of $6,230,000 to international election observers, refuting claims implicating him and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Emefiele stands accused of a litany of charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony, as detailed in the amended charges brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The crux of the prosecution's case revolves around allegations that Emefiele forged a document titled "RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS" in January 2023, bearing the reference number SGF.43/L.01/201, to facilitate the disbursement of funds to international election observers. However, Mustapha's testimony directly contradicts this claim, as he asserts that neither he nor ex-President Buhari sanctioned such a transaction.

Furthermore, the EFCC alleges that Emefiele colluded with Odoh Ocheme, who remains at large, to unlawfully obtain $6.2 million from the CBN under false pretenses on February 8, 2023. The funds were purportedly obtained based on the forged document referencing the SGF's directive.

The courtroom spectacle underscores the gravity of the accusations, as the prosecution meticulously presents evidence of financial impropriety and conspiracy at the highest echelons of government and banking institutions. Meanwhile, Emefiele's defense team maintains his innocence, arguing that he acted within the scope of his duties as CBN governor.

As the trial unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, cognizant of the implications of the verdict on the fight against corruption and the integrity of Nigeria's financial system. The proceedings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in combating corruption and the imperative of holding public officials and financial institutions accountable for their actions.