A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to produce its witness in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, or risk facing legal consequences, including possible closure of its case.
The directive was issued on Tuesday by Justice Hamza Muazu, who warned that failure to present the witness at the next hearing could significantly affect the prosecution’s case.
Justice Muazu also imposed a fine of ₦500,000 on the EFCC for failing to produce its scheduled witness, Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, a Deputy Commissioner of Police and member of the investigative team in the alleged procurement fraud case.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel, A.O. Mohammed, informed the court that although the witness had been notified, he was unable to attend due to administrative procedures and personal engagements.
The prosecutor explained that he had been instructed to formally request the officer’s release through the Inspector-General of Police and had complied accordingly.
However, defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request for adjournment, arguing that the prosecution had exceeded the number of adjournments permitted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
He noted that the EFCC had already been granted multiple adjournments beyond the statutory limit and accused the prosecution of delaying the trial.
Burkaa further pointed out that Emefiele had consistently attended court proceedings without seeking adjournments, despite travelling from Lagos.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged that while the EFCC had exceeded the allowable number of adjournments, the court retains discretion to grant additional time in the interest of justice.
He emphasised that the testimony of the investigating officer remains crucial to the case and should not be excluded.
However, the judge criticised the anti-graft agency for delays, especially after previously requesting accelerated hearing of the matter.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of trial, with a clear warning that failure to produce the witness may attract further legal consequences.
Emefiele is currently standing trial in a 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
Among the allegations, the former apex bank chief is accused of fraudulently obtaining $6.23 million allegedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
He is also accused of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
The former CBN governor has, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial continues.
