Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja to close the prosecution’s case if the remaining witnesses are not produced at the next hearing. The request was made before Justice Hamza Muazu, who is presiding over a 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving alleged fraud of 6.23 million dollars.
The charges include criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences. The anti-graft agency alleges that the funds were meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election, and also accuses the former apex bank chief of conferring corrupt advantages on two private firms. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
At the latest hearing, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that the remaining witnesses might not be available due to delays in securing subpoenas. Defence counsel Matthew Burkaa urged the court to terminate the case if the witnesses fail to appear at the next sitting, citing hardship to the defendant and repeated delays. The prosecution opposed the request, stating that efforts are ongoing to secure witnesses based in Lagos and Benin City.
Earlier, an EFCC investigator testified that a special team examined the disputed funds and found that documents linked to the transaction contained forged signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that no forensic analysis was carried out on Emefiele’s signature and that some officials connected to the transaction were not prosecuted. The court has adjourned the case for continuation of trial and directed the prosecution to produce its witnesses.
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