Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has emphasized the urgent need for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough audit of the financial activities of all government officials who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the alarming revelations emerging from the trial of ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
In a statement released on Friday, the Managing Partner of the Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, commended the EFCC for its efforts in uncovering the alleged forgery of Buhari’s and former Secretary-General of the Federation, Boss Mustapha’s signatures by Emefiele. Emefiele is embroiled in an alleged $6.2 million fraud, which has drawn attention from foreign observers in the recent polls.
Expressing concern over the audacity of those in positions of power and their potential criminal influence, Olajengbesi emphasized the necessity to halt such actions. He asserted, “The EFCC must not limit its investigation to just former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele but should extend its scope to encompass a comprehensive audit of key figures who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. There must be consequences for corrupt behavior.”
Calling for accountability, Olajengbesi insisted that Emefiele and all individuals associated with the Buhari administration should undergo thorough scrutiny and be given the opportunity to clear their names. He highlighted the magnitude of corruption that allegedly occurred during that government’s tenure.
Recalling the events leading up to Emefiele’s arraignment on June 18, 2023, on amended 20 counts, which included accusations of impersonating Mustapha to unlawfully transfer $6.2 million from the CBN vault, Olajengbesi emphasized the gravity of the charges. According to the EFCC, Emefiele purportedly colluded with Odoh Ocheme, who is currently evading arrest, to orchestrate the fraudulent transaction, citing a letter dated January 26, 2023, attributed to the SGF.
