Court Fines EFCC N500,000 for Seeking Multiple Adjournments in Emefiele’s Trial
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N500,000 for repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the sanction on Tuesday after the anti-graft agency failed to present its witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, in court as scheduled, resulting in another adjournment.
Emefiele is facing charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as CBN governor.
The EFCC alleged that he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
The commission also accused him of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel, A.O. Mohammed, told the court that the witness could not attend due to administrative procedures.
He explained that he had been directed by the Force Headquarters to formally write to the Inspector-General of Police to secure the officer’s presence.
According to him, although the letter was written, the witness later informed him that he had a personal matter to attend to in another court in Gwagwalada, where his account was under a garnishee order.
Mohammed subsequently sought an adjournment to enable the prosecution present the witness.
Counsel to Emefiele, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under Sections 396(3) and (4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
He told the court that the EFCC had already taken eight adjournments, contrary to the legal limit, despite earlier requesting an accelerated hearing.
Burkaa further argued that the prosecution allowed the witness to prioritise personal matters over official duty.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu agreed with the defence but noted that the court still has the discretion to grant adjournments in the interest of justice.
He, however, penalised the EFCC with a N500,000 fine for delaying the trial.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to April 27 for continuation of trial.
(NAN)
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
