A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ₦500,000 for repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Trial judge Hamza Mu’azu imposed the fine after the anti-graft agency failed to present its 13th witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, who was scheduled to testify.
EFCC counsel, A. O. Mohammed, told the court that the witness could not attend due to administrative challenges. He explained that although the police officer had been informed of the court date, the police hierarchy required a formal letter to the Inspector-General of Police before approving his appearance.
According to the prosecution, the letter was sent, but the witness later indicated he had a personal matter in another court in Gwagwalada, where his account was reportedly under a garnishee order. The EFCC then requested an adjournment to enable the witness to testify at a later date.
Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution had exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He told the court that the EFCC had already been granted eight adjournments, beyond the five permitted by law.
He further argued that the defendant should not bear the consequences of the prosecution’s administrative lapses, especially after previously seeking an accelerated hearing of the case.
In his ruling, Justice Mu’azu agreed with the defence that the delays were excessive but noted that the court still had the discretion to grant an adjournment in the interest of justice. He held that the witness, being part of the investigation team, should be allowed to testify.
The judge granted the adjournment but ordered the EFCC to pay a ₦500,000 fine for delaying proceedings. The case was subsequently adjourned until April 27 for continuation of trial.
Emefiele, who served as CBN governor from 2014 to 2023, is facing a 20-count charge including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The EFCC alleges that he unlawfully awarded contracts for the purchase of 43 vehicles worth ₦1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020. He is also accused of granting a corrupt advantage to a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, by awarding her company, April 1616 Investment Ltd., a contract for 37 Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at ₦854 million.
The commission further claims that he obtained $6.23 million under false pretences, allegedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail pending the outcome of the trial.
