Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has denied involvement in an illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Mustapha described the allegations as “outrageous and unsubstantiated”.

He said the allegation was a malicious fabrication, and an orchestrated attempt to assassinate his character, and tarnish his reputation.

The former SGF, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” being referred to, as justification for the withdrawal.

Mustapha said that he was never involved in discussions or transactions, relating to any payment for foreign election observers.

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He further questioned the timing of the allegation, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

The former SGF called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the smear campaign.

He said the report claimed that a special investigator, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, uncovered the alleged theft.

Mustapha said: “It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported ‘Presidential Directive’ bearing the signature of President Buhari.

“This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. In fact, I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.

“I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.

“Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.”

The Star