Justice of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued a final directive to the (EFCC) to produce its witness against former Central Bank governor by the next adjourned date or face closure of the case.

The court imposed a fine of N500,000 on EFCC for failing to produce Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, a key investigator in the alleged procurement fraud case, citing repeated delays despite an accelerated trial order.

Case details and charges

Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge brought by EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government, including allegations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence. He allegedly secured $6.23 million intended for international election observers during the 2023 general election and conferred corrupt advantages on two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Court stance on adjournments

EFCC had sought another adjournment, citing administrative procedures preventing the witness from attending. The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, opposed this, stating that the agency had already been granted eight adjournments—three more than the maximum allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Justice Muazu acknowledged the discretion courts have to grant adjournments in the interest of justice but emphasized the need for accountability and penalized EFCC for unnecessary delays.

Next steps

The court adjourned the trial to April 27 and 28 for continuation, emphasizing that the witness must be present, failing which the court may take further action in line with the law.

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A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has fined the (EFCC) N500,000 for repeatedly seeking adjournments in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank governor, .

Justice of the FCT High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, imposed the fine on Tuesday after the anti-graft agency requested another adjournment due to the absence of its witness.

The judge, however, granted what he described as a final adjournment to allow the prosecution present its witness in court.

Emefiele faces multiple charges

Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 20-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud, criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence.

He is accused of allegedly securing over $6.2 million meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections, among other offences.

Defence opposes further adjournment

Counsel to the former CBN governor strongly opposed the application, arguing that the law limits the number of adjournments allowed in criminal trials.

The defence maintained that the prosecution had already exceeded the permitted number of adjournments and failed to adequately prepare its witness over a prolonged period.

Court cites interest of justice

In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the legal limits on adjournments but stated that the court retains discretion to grant one if it serves the interest of justice.

However, he sanctioned the EFCC for delaying proceedings despite earlier approval for accelerated hearing.

Next hearing date fixed

The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 27 and 28 for continuation of trial proceedings.

EFCC news, Godwin Emefiele trial, court fine Nigeria, procurement fraud case, FCT High Court, anti-corruption Nigeria, legal news Nigeria

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