Emefiele Alleges Misleading Testimony as Forensic Expert Claims Buhari’s Signature Forged

Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele has raised serious allegations against an EFCC witness during the ongoing trial at the Maitama Division of the FCT High Court. The witness, Baimayi Haruna Mairiga, a forensic analyst and handwriting expert, testified against Emefiele in the forgery case involving the withdrawal of $6.2 million for the 2023 elections.

Mairiga claimed that signatures on the document did not match those of Boss Mustapha and former President Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that forensic analysis confirmed the signature on the withdrawal document was forged.

Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa, grilled Mairiga for nearly two hours, challenging his credentials and questioning procedural aspects of Question Document Analysis (QDA). Burkaa expressed dissatisfaction with Mairiga’s responses, accusing him of deliberately avoiding straightforward answers and attempting to mislead the court.

During the intense cross-examination, Burkaa pressed for yes-or-no responses, particularly focusing on the necessity of using forensic equipment in document examination. Mairiga’s apparent hesitation and silence led Emefiele’s lawyer to formally apply for the court to take note of the witness’s demeanor, alleging a deliberate refusal to answer simple questions.

In response, the EFCC’s Rotimi Oyedepo objected, emphasizing the witness’s lack of obligation to respond as the defendant desires. Oyedepo urged the court to protect the witness.

Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until March 11 for further hearings, leaving the courtroom in suspense over the unfolding developments in this high-stakes case.