Justice Hamza Muazu of an Abuja High Court has imposed a N500000 fine on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over repeated delays in the trial of former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele.
The court sanctioned the anti graft agency after it failed to produce a key witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, leading to yet another adjournment in the ongoing case.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretence during his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria. The EFCC had alleged that he fraudulently obtained 6.23 million dollars, supposedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
The commission also accused him of granting corrupt advantages to two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. However, Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel A O Mohammed told the court that the witness could not appear due to administrative procedures and directives from the police hierarchy. He explained that a formal request had been sent to the Inspector General of Police but the witness later cited a personal court matter in Gwagwalada as the reason for his absence.
Defense 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. He urged the court to deny further delays, noting that the case had been designated for accelerated hearing.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the defense argument but stated that the court retains discretion to grant adjournments in the interest of justice. He noted that the investigator remains a crucial witness in the matter.
Despite granting the adjournment, the judge fined the EFCC for delaying proceedings and adjourned the case until April 27 for continuation.
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