From Victor Osula, Abuja
Proceedings in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, came under fresh scrutiny on Monday, as uncertainty over the availability of key prosecution witnesses triggered a sharp legal battle at the Abuja High Court.
The tension arose after prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that he was unsure whether the prosecution would be able to present its remaining witnesses at the next adjourned date. He disclosed that subpoenas had yet to be secured for the witnesses, who are said to be outside the court’s jurisdiction.
The development drew an immediate response from the defence, led by Matthew Burkaa (SAN), who urged the court to foreclose the prosecution’s case if the witnesses fail to appear, arguing that repeated delays undermine the fairness of the trial.
Burkaa accused the prosecution of adopting a pattern that prolongs proceedings and imposes hardship on the defendant, insisting that justice must not be skewed in favour of one party.
Emefiele is standing trial on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that he fraudulently obtained $6.3 billion purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election. The former apex bank chief has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.
At Monday’s hearing, the EFCC presented its 13th prosecution witness, Chinedu Eneanya, who testified that his team investigated the movement of funds from the CBN linked to the case.
Eneanya told the court that documents recovered during the investigation indicated that the funds were released based on approvals purportedly bearing the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
According to the witness, forensic analysis suggested that the signatures of both officials were forged. However, under cross-examination, he admitted that no forensic examination was conducted on Emefiele’s signature, despite the defendant’s claim that his own signature had also been forged.
He further revealed that five CBN officials signed the internal memo connected to the transaction but are not facing prosecution, though they were suspended, raising questions about the scope of the charges.
The defence also objected to the prosecution’s decision to call another investigative officer, arguing that the testimony merely duplicated earlier evidence and added little value to the case.
In response, Oyedepo maintained that the prosecution was not attempting to delay proceedings and appealed to the court not to shut out its case, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the attendance of the remaining witnesses.
Presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, directed the prosecution to expedite the issuance of subpoenas through the court registrar and ensure that the witnesses are produced without further delay.
Justice Muazu also advised both parties to reserve detailed arguments for their final written addresses as the trial progresses.
The matter was adjourned until Tuesday for continuation of trial.
