CCTV shows Emefiele, Boss Mustapha dragging $6.2m cash from CBN vault? - Former SGF reacts

Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has denied being involved in the alleged illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

An online report, not by Legit.ng, had claimed that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred a few weeks before the presidential election.

The report further alleged that Mustapha and the embattled former governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, authorised the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

It added that CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.

Outrageous claim: Boss Mustapha reacts

Reacting in a statement on Saturday, December 23, Mustapha refuted the allegations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated.” He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated attempt" to assassinate his character and ruin his reputation.

The former SGF said he knew nothing about the purported “presidential directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal, Guardian Nigeria reported.

Mustapha also denied being involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

"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," the former SGF said.

Meanwhile, Mustapha also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. He urged the public and media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation. "I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth," Mustapha said.