Commissioner of Police, Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, gave the testimony before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court in Abuja.

Emefiele is standing trial on a 20-count charge involving criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain money under false pretence in suit number FCT/HC/CR/577/2023. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While testifying, Okpoziakpo said he was part of a special investigative team set up to support a presidential probe into the activities of the CBN and other government institutions.

He explained that his responsibilities included interviewing suspects, recording statements, and assisting with intelligence gathering during the investigation.

According to him, findings from the probe indicated that the funds were unlawfully accessed, with some suspects— including one identified as Maishanu— allegedly confessing their involvement.

He further told the court that the money was said to have been released under the claim that it was meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.

However, he stated that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied ever requesting such funds, adding that the office formally responded to inquiries on the matter.

The witness also said the withdrawal was supported by official documents, including an alleged approval letter attributed to former President Muhammadu Buhari dated January 24, 2023.

He referenced several exhibits presented in court, including a request for the release of the $6.23 million and the purported presidential approval that authorised the payment.

Okpoziakpo added that additional records obtained from the CBN’s Abuja branch showed details of the cash disbursement in $100 bills, along with internal memos approving the transaction.

After hearing the testimony, Justice Muazu adjourned the case to July 2, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.

This represents a 22.55 per cent rise compared to ₦1,051.47 recorded in February 2026, according to the agency’s latest data.

The report also showed a 2.13 per cent year-on-year increase when compared with ₦1,261.65 recorded in March 2025.

A state-by-state breakdown revealed notable price differences across the country.

Anambra recorded the highest petrol price at ₦1,441.22 per litre, followed by Sokoto at ₦1,377.55 and Borno at ₦1,375.16.

On the other hand, Lagos recorded the lowest average price at ₦1,162.71, while Ogun and Kaduna stood at ₦1,169.78 and ₦1,193.40 respectively.

Regionally, the North-East posted the highest average petrol price at ₦1,336.50, while the South-West recorded the lowest at ₦1,232.46.

The NBS also disclosed that the average price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) rose to ₦1,648.08 per litre in March 2026.

This marks a 3.05 per cent increase compared to ₦1,599.30 in March 2025, and a sharp 16.05 per cent jump from ₦1,420.17 recorded in February 2026.

Ebonyi recorded the highest diesel price at ₦2,262.29 per litre, followed by Akwa Ibom at ₦1,895.72 and Osun at ₦1,872.15.

Kogi posted the lowest diesel price at ₦1,383.40, while Katsina and Enugu recorded ₦1,438.25 and ₦1,480.06 respectively.

By zone, the South-East recorded the highest diesel price at ₦1,730.14, while the North-Central had the lowest at ₦1,593.11.

Cooking Gas Prices Also Rise

The report further showed a sharp increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices.

The average cost of refilling a 5kg cylinder rose by 12.60 per cent to ₦7,655.73 in March 2026, up from ₦6,799.18 in February.

Year-on-year, this reflects a 4.55 per cent increase from ₦7,322.49 recorded in March 2025.

Kaduna recorded the highest price for a 5kg refill at ₦9,212.21, followed by Lagos at ₦8,909.73 and Taraba at ₦8,802.78.

Bauchi recorded the lowest at ₦6,295.40, while Osun and Ondo stood at ₦6,457.35 and ₦6,598.10 respectively.

Regionally, the North-West recorded the highest LPG cost at ₦8,137.81, while the South-South had the lowest at ₦7,300.95.

For 12.5kg cylinders, the average refill price rose by 15.62 per cent to ₦19,652.83 in March 2026, up from ₦16,997.94 in February.

Year-on-year, this represents a 6.48 per cent increase from ₦18,456.24 recorded in March 2025.

Nasarawa recorded the highest price at ₦23,418.12, followed by Kaduna at ₦23,030.52 and Akwa Ibom at ₦22,816.74.

Bauchi recorded the lowest at ₦15,738.50, while Osun and Ondo stood at ₦16,143.38 and ₦16,495.25 respectively.