A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Tuesday fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission N500,000 over repeated adjournments in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Trial judge, Hamza Mu’azu, imposed the fine after the prosecution failed to produce its 13th witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, in court as scheduled.
Counsel to the EFCC, A.O. Mohammed, attributed the witness’s absence to administrative hurdles, including the need for formal clearance from the Inspector-General of Police. He further explained that the witness was engaged in a separate legal matter in Gwagwalada, prompting a request for adjournment.
However, defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), opposed the application, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which limits adjournments. He argued that the EFCC had already exceeded the allowable number, noting that the defendant should not suffer delays caused by the prosecution.
In his ruling, Justice Mu’azu acknowledged the defence’s position but held that the court retains discretion to grant adjournments in the interest of justice. He allowed the request to enable the witness testify but sanctioned the EFCC for delaying proceedings.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 for continuation of trial.
Emefiele, who headed the apex bank from 2014 to 2023, is facing a 20-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and fraud involving billions of naira. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on bail pending the determination of the case.
