Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has refuted a report alleging his involvement in the alleged illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the report, which was published on an online website, a special investigator hired by President Bola Tinubu discovered the alleged crime on February 8, 2023, just weeks before the presidential election.
According to the allegation, Mustapha and the beleaguered former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorized the removal of cash from the bank’s vault in the name of paying international election observation missions.
According to the investigator’s findings, which were cited by the media, CCTV footage caught how the money was transported out of the apex bank.
Describing the accusations as “outrageous and unsubstantiated,” Mustapha firmly denied the claims in a strongly worded statement made available to journalists on Saturday.
He described it as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate my character and besmirch my reputation.”
The former SGF insisted that he was unaware of the alleged “Presidential Directive” referenced in the article as grounds for the withdrawal.
He further said that he was never involved in any discussions or activities involving money for international election monitors.
Furthermore, Mustapha questioned the timing of the claims, claiming that it was a planned attempt to manipulate popular emotion and plant seeds of doubt during the sensitive pre-Christmas period.
Mustapha demanded an extensive and transparent investigation into the situation, urging authorities to investigate the source of the forged documents and expose those responsible for the “smear” campaign.”
Mustapha also urged the people and the media to use critical thinking and avoid being misled.
His response in parts reads, “The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported “Presidential Directive” bearing the signature of President Buhari.
“This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. In fact, I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.
“I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation.
“I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.
“Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself.
“I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails.
“This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honor.
“I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity.”
