The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday tendered several newspaper publications as evidence in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linked to the Naira redesign policy.
The documents were presented at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory as part of the prosecution’s effort to support claims of alleged disobedience to lawful directives and actions said to have caused injury to the nation.
EFCC Presents Certified Newspaper Exhibits
The EFCC submitted the newspaper materials through a subpoenaed witness, Jegede Oluwasegun, an official of the National Library of Nigeria.
The publications tendered included copies of Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun, and The Nation newspapers, along with certification receipts issued by the National Library.
The documents were admitted as exhibits without objection from the defence counsel.
Allegations Against Emefiele
Emefiele is facing a four-count charge bordering on alleged disobedience to lawful directives and acts said to have caused public injury.
According to the EFCC, between October 19, 2022 and March 5, 2023, the former CBN governor allegedly approved the printing of 375,520,000 pieces of redesigned N1,000 notes at a cost of over N11 billion without proper approvals from the CBN Board and the President.
The commission said the alleged actions violated Section 19 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and were punishable under the Penal Code.
Witness Testimony In Court
During proceedings, prosecution witness Jegede Oluwasegun, led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), explained his role as a certifying officer at the National Library.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted he was not the author of the newspaper content and could not verify its accuracy.
“I cannot 100 per cent say the content of the papers is right. I am not the author,” he told the court.
Defence Also Tenders Document
Counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), later tendered a ThisDay publication dated January 31, 2023, which was also admitted in evidence without objection from the prosecution.
Court Adjourns Hearing
Justice Maryanne Anenih adjourned the matter to May 12 for continuation of trial proceedings.
