Witness Testifies on Emefiele's Compliance with Buhari's Directive in Naira Redesign Trial

In an ongoing trial at an Abuja high court, a witness named Chinedu Emer testified that the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Emefiele, followed a directive from late President Buhari regarding the redesign of Naira notes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Emefiele with offenses under the penal code.

Emer stated that Emefiele sought approval to redesign and reissue various denominations of Naira notes to combat counterfeiting and address currency shortages. The witness confirmed that the notes were eventually produced by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) but clarified that the design work was carried out by a foreign company, De La Rue.

The prosecution requested the court to make an investigation report available, which was objected to by the defense. The trial was adjourned to February 10 for further proceedings.