FG places three Nigerians on Interpol watchlist over $6.2m theft

Federal Government of Nigeria has asked the International Police (Interpol) to place three Nigerians on the watch list over alleged forgery. It was gathered that the suspects—a staff member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Odoh Ocheme, and two other persons—were declared wanted for allegedly forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari to steal $6.2 million in cash from the apex bank. Ocheme was accused of plotting and forging documents in Buhari’s name to steal $6,230,000 from the CBN coffers, along with Adamu and Imam Abubakar.

This was stated in a letter that was signed by Eloho Okpoziakpo, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of Operation, Office of Special Investigator. The following documents are attached: the data page of Odoh Ocheme’s Nigerian International Passport No. B50082800; properly certified true copies of the warrants; and the court’s order to that effect. The forged documents include: The Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Identity Card in the name of Jibril Abubakar. Letter dated 23 January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr. Boss Mustapha. Letter dated 26 January, 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 31 January, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Governor. Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 7th February, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Branch Controller, Abuja, Branch, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the believe that the documents are genuine be induced to pay the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($6,230,000.00).