The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied releasing the N13 billion seized from Lagos apartment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The security agency had claimed that it received the funds directly from the CBN.
However, when contacted, the CBN spokesperson, Isaac Okorafor told Premium Times that he was not sure, as at Saturday that the recovered billions, in mint fresh notes, moved directly from the bank to the NIA.
“It is true the Central Bank of Nigeria issues mint fresh notes, but it is only to banks.
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“After that (issuance to banks) CBN does not know which of their customers they (the banks) give those notes to and for what purpose.
“I cannot say if the notes the NIA is claiming came from the CBN. So, I will not be able to answer questions on it for now, except I receive a specific request,” the CBN Spokesperson said.
Operatives of the EFCC, acting on a tip-off on Wednesday, said they found $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 hidden inside an apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi.
The funds are valued at N13 billion based on prevailing exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The EFCC circulated photograph and video footage of the operation, sparking nationwide outrage. But the anti-graft agency has so far failed to disclose ownership of the recovered funds.
