A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission N500,000 for delaying the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the fine after the anti-graft agency failed to produce a key witness at the resumed hearing. The judge criticised the EFCC for repeated requests for adjournments and granted what he described as a final opportunity for the prosecution to present its case.
Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge, including alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence. Among the allegations is the purported fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million said to have been meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed explained that the scheduled witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, was unavailable due to a personal matter before another court in Gwagwalada involving a garnishee order on his account. He added that efforts had been made to secure the officer’s release through the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request for adjournment, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. He maintained that the EFCC had sufficient time to prepare its witnesses but failed to do so.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the legal limits on adjournments but held that the court retains discretion in the interest of justice, particularly in a case of such magnitude. However, he penalised the prosecution for the delay by awarding N500,000 in costs against the EFCC.
The case was adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of the trial.
