The absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday stalled the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Emefiele, who is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu in Maitama, is facing an amended 20-count charge marked CR/577/2023. The charges include criminal breach of trust, conferring corrupt advantage, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, and forgery.
According to the prosecution, Emefiele allegedly abused his office between 2018 and 2022 by awarding six contracts worth ₦1.21 billion for the supply of vehicles to April 1616 Investment Ltd., a company linked to a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yaro, who is also listed as a director and shareholder.
At the resumed hearing, Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mathew Burkaa, asked the court to foreclose the prosecution for failing to appear, despite being aware of the sitting date since June 27.
“This matter was fixed for continuation of trial, but the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, is neither in court nor represented by anyone,” Burkaa told the court.
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He disclosed that the court registrar had informed him through a WhatsApp message that a letter of adjournment had been filed. However, he noted that the letter emanated from the EFCC, not the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), which initially brought the charges.
“The charge was filed by the AGF’s office. I find it curious that EFCC is now seeking adjournment in a matter it did not originate,” the defence counsel added.
Burkaa further opposed the request for adjournment, stressing that the prosecution had earlier sought an accelerated hearing. “Why then is it difficult for any of the prosecutors to be present in court today?” he asked, pointing out that both he and his client travelled from Lagos for the trial.
Justice Muazu noted the submissions and said the court would consider the circumstances before deciding the next step. He did not immediately foreclose the prosecution but signalled that repeated absences by the prosecution would not be tolerated.
