Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission N500,000 over repeated adjournments in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele is facing charges including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretence during his tenure at the apex bank. The EFCC alleges that he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election, and also conferred undue benefits on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court imposed the fine after the prosecution failed to produce a key witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, who was scheduled to testify. EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed told the court the witness was unavailable due to administrative procedures and a personal legal matter.
Counsel to the defendant, Matthew Burkaa, opposed further adjournment, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu agreed that the delays were excessive but granted another adjournment in the interest of justice, noting the importance of the witness. The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 for continuation of trial.
