The highly anticipated trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, hit a snag on Thursday as proceedings were stalled at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court due to his absence. Emefiele is facing a six-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including accusations of unlawfully printing new naira notes.
Emefiele’s no-show, alongside his legal team, delayed the trial, which was presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih. During the court session, prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the judge that he had unsuccessfully attempted to contact Emefiele’s lead defense counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN). Upon reaching another lawyer on the defense team, Oyedepo was told that Thursday’s date had been mistakenly omitted from their schedule.
Following this, Oyedepo requested the court to adjourn the case to October 2, one of the previously scheduled dates for the trial. Justice Anenih granted the request, stating that the adjournment was necessary in the interest of justice.
The new dates for the trial continuation are set for October 2, 9, and 17, during which the prosecution is expected to call more witnesses. So far, two witnesses have testified in the case against the former CBN governor.
Emefiele is accused of approving the printing of new naira notes between October 2022 and March 2023 without following due process. Additionally, he is charged with approving the withdrawal of over N124 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation without proper authorization from the National Assembly, a violation of Section 123 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 of the Laws of the Federation, 1990.
