INTERPOL Called Upon by Nigerian Authorities to Track Down Suspects in $6.3 Million Theft Linked to Emefiele

The Nigerian government has officially sought assistance from the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track down and apprehend three individuals accused of orchestrating the alleged withdrawal of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents.

The request was made by the office of the Special Investigator of the CBN, Jim Obazee, following the issuance of an order by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants, identified as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ochene, are alleged to have collaborated in the fraudulent withdrawal last year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously charged Mr. Ochene, who is currently at large, along with former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The charges accuse them of stealing the funds under the guise of a presidential request to pay international election observers.

In a letter to INTERPOL, the CBN’s Special Investigator urged the international police agency to “watchlist” and issue a “red notice” for the arrest and extradition of the three fugitives. The Special Investigator had earlier obtained a warrant for their arrest from the Federal High Court.

The background of the case traces back to President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Mr. Obazee to investigate alleged fraud within the CBN under Mr. Emefiele. A report submitted by the Special Investigator led to indictments against Mr. Emefiele, who now faces prosecution by the EFCC.

In recent court proceedings, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disavowed any approval for the contested payment, alleging forgery of his signature and President Buhari’s on the relevant documents.

The Nigerian government’s letter to INTERPOL, along with charges filed against the alleged conspirators, highlights the complexity and legal intricacies surrounding this high-profile case.