BREAKING: Court Fines EFCC for Delaying Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele’s Corruption Trial

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja has sanctioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over delays in the ongoing corruption trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The trial judge, Hamza Muazu, on Tuesday ordered the anti-graft agency to pay a fine of N500,000 after it failed to present a scheduled prosecution witness in court.

The development stalled proceedings that were expected to continue with the testimony of the next witness.

The court heard that the EFCC was unable to produce its 13th witness, identified as a police officer involved in the investigation. The prosecution counsel explained that the officer was absent due to administrative issues and a separate personal legal matter.

Counsel to the EFCC appealed for an adjournment, stating that efforts had been made to secure the witness’s presence. He told the court that official communication had already been sent to relevant police authorities.

However, the defence team, led by Matthew Burkaa, strongly opposed the request. The defence argued that the prosecution had exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under the law. They insisted that the repeated delays were unfair and contradicted the earlier demand for an accelerated hearing.

The defence further told the court that the prosecution had already been granted multiple adjournments since the case began and should not be indulged further.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the concerns raised by the defence but noted that the court still had the discretion to allow an adjournment in the interest of justice. He stated that the absence of an investigator in a case of such magnitude could affect the outcome if not properly handled.

Despite granting the adjournment, the judge penalised the EFCC for the delay, stressing that the agency must take responsibility for ensuring the smooth progress of the trial.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 27 for continuation of hearing.

The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele over multiple allegations, including abuse of office, procurement fraud, and conspiracy. The charges also involve claims that he granted undue advantages to certain companies and approved questionable financial transactions while in office.

However, Emefiele has denied all allegations brought against him.