EFCC issued final order to produce witness against Emefiele or close case
High Court Orders EFCC to Produce Witness in Emefiele Case
Abuja, Nigeria — Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory issued a final order on Tuesday, requiring the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present its witness in the ongoing procurement fraud case against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. The judge stated that failure to do so by the next court date on April 27 could result in the case being closed.
During the proceedings, Justice Muazu imposed a fine of ₦500,000 on the EFCC for not bringing Deputy Commissioner of Police Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo to testify, as previously scheduled. The DCP, involved in investigating Emefiele, was absent due to a personal matter, according to court records.
A.O. Mohammed, representing the EFCC, informed the court that he was instructed to write to the Inspector-General of Police to request the DCP’s presence. Although he complied, the DCP cited a personal issue requiring his attention at another court location.
Mohammed requested an adjournment, arguing that the witness was crucial to the trial. He noted that the court had previously summoned the DCP to testify.
Opposing the adjournment, Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, referenced the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which limits each party to five adjournments until final judgment. Burkaa contended that the EFCC had exceeded this limit, receiving eight adjournments to date.
Burkaa argued that Emefiele had attended the trial from Lagos without seeking adjournments, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the legal framework for a fair trial.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the defense’s point regarding the exhaustiveness of the EFCC’s adjournments yet retained discretion to grant an adjournment in the interest of justice. He reiterated the importance of having the investigator present for this matter, while imposing the fine for the delay caused by the EFCC.
The case is scheduled to continue on April 27 and 28. Emefiele faces an amended 20-count charge that includes allegations of criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretenses, and obtaining money by false pretenses in connection with the 2023 general elections. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
