Court Fines EFCC N500,000 for Delaying Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele’s Trial
An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has imposed a N500,000 fine on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its repeated failure to produce witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu issued the fine on Tuesday after the prosecution's 13th witness, DCP Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, failed to appear in court.
The EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), explained that the witness was attending to a personal legal matter involving a garnishee order on his bank account in another court.
However, the defense, led by Matthew Burkaa (SAN), strongly opposed further delays, noting that the prosecution had already taken eight adjournments—surpassing the limit of five set by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
“The court will not deny the prosecution the opportunity... to present its final witness, but I shall grant the adjournment in terms of N500,000 as cost,” Justice Muazu ruled.
Emefiele is currently facing a 20-count amended charge, including allegations of: Obtaining $6.23 million under the guise of funding international election observers.
Criminal breach of trust and forgery.
Conferring corrupt advantages on private firms (April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd).
The court has granted a "final adjournment" until April 27 and 28, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
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