Emefiele seeks court halt in fraud trial due to missing witnesses

Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele has asked the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to close the prosecution’s case if it fails to present its remaining witnesses in his ongoing trial over alleged procurement fraud.

The request was made by his defence team during proceedings at the court sitting in Maitama, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting him on a 20-count charge.

Emefiele faces allegations including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence. The charges are linked to funds reportedly earmarked for international election observers during the 2023 general election. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

During the latest hearing, an EFCC investigator told the court that $6.3 billion was released from the Central Bank for election-related purposes. The witness further alleged that documents tied to the disbursement bore forged signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, adding that forensic analysis supported the claim.

However, under cross-examination, the investigator admitted that Emefiele’s own signature was not subjected to forensic testing, a point the defence highlighted to question the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

Emefiele’s lawyer argued that the prosecution had already called multiple investigative officers and warned against what he described as unnecessary repetition. He urged the court to terminate the prosecution’s case if it fails to produce additional witnesses.

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In response, the presiding judge directed the prosecution to ensure the attendance of its remaining witnesses and asked both parties to prepare for final arguments. The matter was subsequently adjourned.

The case continues to draw attention as it tests both the evidentiary strength of the prosecution and the court’s tolerance for delays in high-profile financial crime trials.