A Forensic document analyst from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bamayi Haruna, has confirmed to the Federal Capital Territory High Court that former president Muhammadu Buhari’s signature was forged and he never approved the use of $6.3 million by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, Haruna on Thursday, told Justice Hamza Muazu that the signature on the disputed presidential approval involving the embattled Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, does not rhyme with that of Buhari.
He explained that his analysis of all the documents relating to the said approval “showed evidence of forgery”.
Haruna said the specimen signatures do not match the disputed signatures on the documents before the court.
He said, “The form and formation of the signatures marked x and the specimen signature marked B to B1 were found to be different in respect to pen movement impulses, skill of execution, loop formation, and presence of tremors, there were individual characteristics. This is a confirmation that the author of the specimen signatures marked B to B1 does not rhyme with the signature of Buhari on the disputed document marked X.”
Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, Haruna was asked if it was correct for a document examiner or analyst to compare originals with originals or originals with photocopies.
The witness responded that it was preferable to compare originals with originals but where the photocopies are very clear, one can use it.
Justice Muazu then asked the witness how his court could determine whether the genuineness of the signatures in dispute.
The witness replied, “The court should depend on my report,” and the court subsequently adjourned to March 11 for continuation of the trial.
Emefiele was arraigned on a 20-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices and forgery instituted by EFCC.
The former CBN governor had pleaded not guilty to the charges and trial commenced.
On February 13, 2024, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, told the court that his principal, Buhari, did not approve $6.2 million as payment for election observers.
(C) ControlTV 2024.
