Nigeria Requests Interpol’s Aid in $6.2 Million Central Bank Theft Case

Nigeria has requested Interpol’s assistance in apprehending three suspects accused of orchestrating a $6.2 million theft from the central bank. The funds were reportedly stolen using forged signatures, including that of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The authorities suspect collusion between the suspects and Nigeria’s former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele is currently facing trial on 20 charges, including the illicit receipt of the stolen funds.

Prosecutors claim that Emefiele unlawfully authorized the release of funds from the central bank vault. The alleged accomplices, Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and former central bank employee Odoh Ocheme, are believed to have left Nigeria.

The government ordered their arrest after senior official Boss Mustapha testified in Emefiele’s trial. The funds were withdrawn in cash in January last year, a few months before Buhari’s term ended.