Court Orders EFCC to Present Witness Against Emefiele

On Tuesday, Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce a witness in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Emefiele. The court warned that failure to present the witness by the next adjournment date of April 27, 2023, could lead to the closure of the case.

The EFCC was fined 500,000 Naira for not presenting the witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Okpoziakeo, who was absent due to administrative procedures. The prosecutor, O.

Moham, explained that a formal request was sent to the Inspector General of Police for the witness's appearance. The defense counsel, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the adjournment request, arguing that the EFCC had already exceeded the limit for adjournments.

Emefiele faces 20 counts of charges, including fraudulently obtaining 6.23 million Naira meant for international election observation during the 2023 general elections, to confer corrupt advantages to two firms. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.