A prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Jim Obazee, has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, should have been prosecuted alongside former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.

Obazee made the statement on Friday while testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu in the ongoing trial of Emefiele, who is facing an amended 20-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, obtaining by false pretence and conferring corrupt advantage.

According to the prosecution witness, the $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the CBN's Abuja branch under the pretext of funding foreign election observers during the 2023 general election. He told the court that the money was subsequently handed over to suspected criminals, adding that $856,500 was later recovered from Bashirudeen Maishanu, a CBN staff member, by the special investigation panel.

Obazee argued that Emefiele should not be the only person standing trial over the alleged fraud, insisting that Buhari, Mustapha, Maishanu and former members of the CBN board ought to have faced prosecution if the allegations were to be pursued comprehensively.

He further stated that, in his view, the late former president should have been charged "even if posthumously," maintaining that accountability should extend to all individuals allegedly connected to the transaction.

The court also heard that Mustapha had previously denied authorising the release of the funds on behalf of the late President Buhari when he testified earlier in the trial.

Following Friday's proceedings, Justice Muazu adjourned the case until October 20, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses. Counsel to Emefiele also informed the court of plans to file a no-case submission in the matter.