A Federal High Court in Abuja imposes a N500,000 cost on the EFCC for failing to produce a key witness in the trial of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, highlighting repeated adjournments.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has awarded a cost of N500,000 against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for delaying the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the cost after the prosecution failed to produce a key witness at the resumed hearing on Tuesday. The trial, marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, involves 20 counts including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.

Prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), told the court that the absent witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Elohor Okpoziakeo, was attending another case in Gwagwalada, despite prior notification. Efforts to secure the witness included communication with the Inspector General of Police.

The defence, led by Matthew Burkaa (SAN), opposed further adjournments, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which limits parties to five adjournments between arraignment and judgment. Burkaa noted the prosecution had already exceeded this limit, having been granted around eight adjournments since the trial began, and accused them of poor case management.

Justice Muazu acknowledged the statutory limits but stressed the court’s discretionary power to ensure justice. He recognised the absent witness as material to the case and awarded the N500,000 cost against the EFCC for causing unnecessary delay.

The trial has been adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation.

Emefiele faces allegations of obtaining $6.23 million purportedly for international election observers during the 2023 elections and granting corrupt advantages to two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.