Court Summons Police Chief, Obazee in Emefiele $6.23m Fraud Trial

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has summoned former Financial Reporting Council Executive Secretary Jim Obazee and Commissioner of Police Eloho Okpoziakpo to appear as witnesses in the ongoing fraud trial involving former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele over an alleged $6.23 million case.

Justice Hamza Mu’azu issued the summons in connection with Emefiele’s trial, directing both men to appear before the court and give evidence linked to the charges filed against the former apex bank chief. The order followed the court’s decision to hear from officials involved in investigations related to the matter.

Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations involving criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

The court directed the two witnesses to testify on issues connected to the investigation that led to the charges. They were also asked to present materials related to the naira redesign policy, which has become part of the matters expected to come up during proceedings.

According to court documents, both Obazee and Okpoziakpo played roles in the investigation surrounding the allegations against Emefiele, and their testimony is expected to provide further details as the case progresses.

The trial has drawn attention because of the range of allegations linked to the former CBN governor and the issues surrounding decisions taken during his time in office, including the controversial naira redesign policy.

With the subpoena issued, proceedings are expected to continue with witness testimony as the court examines the allegations and evidence before it. The development marks another stage in the legal battle involving the former central bank chief as the prosecution and defence continue to present their cases.

The case remains one of several high-profile corruption-related trials being watched closely, with the court expected to hear further testimony and review documents connected to the charges in the coming proceedings.