Court Warns EFCC Over Emefiele Witness
A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to produce its final witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, or risk having the case brought to an end.
The order was given by Justice Hamza Muazu during proceedings in a case filed by the Federal Government over alleged procurement fraud.
The judge directed the anti-graft agency to ensure the witness appears in court on the next adjourned date, April 27, 2026. He also ruled that failure to do so would lead the court to take action based on the law.
This came after the commission failed to present its witness, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was expected to give evidence but did not attend the hearing.
During the session, the EFCC lawyer explained that the witness had been informed about the court date but was unable to attend due to internal procedures and other commitments. The lawyer said steps had been taken to formally request the officer’s presence through the appropriate police authorities, but the witness later indicated he had another matter to handle in court.
The prosecution then asked the court for more time to produce the witness, stating that his testimony is important to the case because of his role in the investigation. However, the defence team opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had already been given more adjournments than allowed by law and should not be granted another opportunity.
The defence also pointed out that the case had been running since 2023 and that the accused had always appeared in court without asking for delays, while the prosecution continued to seek more time. They urged the court to refuse further adjournment.
In his decision, Justice Muazu noted that although the law sets a limit on adjournments, the court still has the power to allow more time if necessary. He stated that the testimony of an investigator is important in a case like this, but he also faulted the EFCC for delaying the trial.
As a result, the court fined the commission ₦500,000 for failing to present the witness as scheduled. The case was then adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of hearing, with a clear warning that the next date must not be wasted.
The trial is based on a 20-count charge filed against Emefiele, including allegations of breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false claims while he was in office.
The prosecution also alleged that he received over six million dollars meant for election observers and granted benefits to certain companies. The former CBN governor has denied all the charges and continues to face trial.