By Peace Erewunmi

Jim Obazee, the former Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has alleged that former President Muhammadu Buhari and his former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, should face the same level of scrutiny as former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele over the controversial withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.

Obazee made the remarks while speaking on the findings of his investigation into the operations of the CBN during Emefiele’s tenure. According to him, accountability should not be limited to the former CBN governor alone if evidence shows that other public officials were involved in the approval or execution of the transaction.

The controversy centres on the withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN in February 2023. At the time, the funds were reportedly withdrawn in cash following a request said to have originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the payment of foreign election observers ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Obazee questioned the legality and transparency of the transaction, arguing that such a large cash withdrawal should be subjected to thorough judicial scrutiny. He maintained that if Emefiele is being prosecuted over alleged financial misconduct, every public official linked to the disputed transaction should also be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted.

According to the former investigator, the principle of accountability requires that no individual, regardless of former office or status, should be exempt from legal examination where allegations of financial impropriety arise.

The withdrawal has remained one of the issues investigated by anti-corruption agencies since the change in administration. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) previously included the transaction among the allegations in some of the charges filed against former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

However, officials who served under the previous administration have consistently maintained that the transaction followed official procedures and was carried out in response to security and administrative requests. No Nigerian court has found former President Buhari or Boss Mustapha guilty of any offence in connection with the withdrawal.

Legal analysts note that while Obazee’s comments have reignited public debate, criminal liability can only be established through investigations, the filing of charges by the appropriate authorities, and a fair judicial process. They emphasise that allegations alone do not constitute proof of wrongdoing.

The remarks have generated mixed reactions among political observers and members of the public. While some support a broader investigation into all officials connected with the transaction, others insist that any decision to prosecute must be based strictly on credible evidence and due process rather than public opinion.

As of the time of reporting, neither former President Muhammadu Buhari nor former SGF Boss Mustapha had publicly responded to Obazee’s latest comments. Similarly, no fresh charges had been announced against either individual in relation to the disputed cash withdrawal.