The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele continued on Tuesday before Justice Hamza Mu’azu at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a final adjournment to allow its last witness to appear.
Emefiele faces an amended 20-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as CBN governor. Among the allegations is the fraudulent acquisition of $6,230,000, reportedly intended for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Abbas Mohammed informed the court that EFCC investigator Eloho Edwin Okboziakpo, the final witness, required official clearance from the Inspector-General of Police to appear, as he was engaged in another legal proceeding in Gwagwalada. Mohammed said, “We have taken steps, including writing to the office of the Inspector-General of Police and engaging the AIG in charge of Legal. Based on this, we are seeking one more adjournment in the interest of justice. This witness is an investigator who worked closely on this matter.”
The prosecution also sought to tender a 2019 document to replace an earlier exhibit to avoid further delays. Defence counsel Mathieu Burkaa opposed the request for adjournment.
Justice Mu’azu granted the prosecution’s application, stressing the witness’s importance to a fair determination of the trial and warning that no further adjournments would be entertained. The case was adjourned to April 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation.
