The Federal Government announced yesterday that it has issued a warrant for the arrest of Odoh Ocheme, a staff member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), along with two others, for their alleged involvement in forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari in order to embezzle $6.2 million from the apex bank.
Buhari speaks
A letter sent to the Assistant Inspector General of Police by the office of the CBN special investigator outlined the accusations against Ocheme, Adamu Abubakar, and Imam Abubakar, alleging their collaboration in fabricating documents under the name of President Buhari to illegally obtain $6,230,000 from the CBN’s funds.
Signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, on behalf of the Head of Operation, Office of Special Investigator, the letter requested the placement of the individuals on INTERPOL red notice. It stated that Odoh Ocheme, currently at large, along with the other two suspects, conspired to commit the fraudulent act, resulting in the misappropriation of funds from the CBN.
The letter further mentioned that a charge had been filed against the suspects, and warrants for their arrest had been issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division. It provided details of Odoh Ocheme’s Nigerian International Passport and attached certified true copies of the warrants and court orders.
Buhari
The special investigator urged the authorities to utilize their resources to facilitate the apprehension and extradition of the defendants from any Interpol member state where they may have fled. In the meantime, the Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against Odoh Ocheme and his alleged accomplices.
