Boss Mustapha Challenges $6.3M CBN Vault Allegations, Calls for Investigation

In a vehement denial, Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has refuted allegations of his involvement in an unauthorized withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) vault during the tenure of President Buhari. The controversy stems from a purported report by a special panel tasked with investigating the CBN.

Dismissing the accusations as “outrageous and unsubstantiated,” Mustapha released a strongly-worded statement to the media, branding the article as a “malicious fabrication” orchestrated to smear his character and tarnish his reputation. The former SGF expressed his lack of awareness regarding the alleged “Presidential Directive” cited as the basis for the withdrawal and called for a comprehensive and open inquiry into the matter.

Mustapha vehemently denied any involvement in discussions or transactions related to the alleged payment to foreign election observers, challenging the authenticity of the purported directive bearing President Buhari’s signature. He insisted on a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the source of the alleged forged documents and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.

The former SGF emphasized the need to uphold the integrity of public service and safeguard the reputation of individuals who have served the country with honor. He called on relevant authorities to scrutinize the fabricated documents and assured his cooperation with any legitimate investigation that seeks to unveil the truth.

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a leaked report by the Special Investigation on the Central Bank of Nigeria, suggesting financial and legal irregularities during the leadership of Godwin Emefiele. The report, titled “REPORT OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR ON CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN) AND RELATED ENTITIES (Chargeable offences),” has circulated online, raising questions about the operations of the CBN.

The allegations in the leaked report extend beyond Mustapha, also implicating the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently facing charges of fraud from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Additionally, deputy governors who served during Emefiele’s tenure are implicated in the accusations.

According to the investigator’s report, both Mustapha and Emefiele authorized the withdrawal of cash from the CBN’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions. The report, cited by various publications, alleges that CCTV footage captured the movement of the money out of the apex bank.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains critical for authorities to independently verify the allegations and conduct a thorough investigation into the financial and legal irregularities suggested by the leaked report. The outcome of such inquiries will determine the impact on the reputations of those involved and, more broadly, on the public perception of the integrity of Nigeria’s financial institutions.