Court Bars EFCC from Calling Witnesses in Emefiele’s Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been barred by Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court, Maitama, from calling three subpoenaed witnesses in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on allegations of abuse of office, corruption, and fraud.
Background of the Case
Emefiele is standing trial on an amended 20-count charge, which includes allegations of criminal breach of trust, conferring advantage, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence. He is accused of using his position as CBN governor to award six contracts for the supply of vehicles. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Ruling on Subpoenaed Witnesses
At the resumed hearing, the judge ruled on an oral application by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, prosecuting counsel seeking to call the subpoenaed witnesses. Justice Muazu said the names of two of the witnesses, Tommy Odama and Ifeanyi Omeke, had been struck out in his March 20 ruling, which removed the prosecution’s additional proof of evidence. He explained that the March 20 ruling is currently the subject of an appeal before the Court of Appeal, and therefore the High Court could not permit the witnesses to testify until the appeal is decided.
Court’s Decision on the 11th Prosecution Witness
Justice Muazu also addressed the objection raised at the Oct. 22 sitting regarding the eligibility of the 11th prosecution witness, Alvan Grumman. He held that because the additional proof of evidence had been struck out, the court must also wait for the appeal before deciding whether Grumman can testify. The judge stated, “The court cannot allow the witness to testify even though his name was not mentioned in the additional proof of evidence. The prosecution must wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision.”
Adjournment of the Case
The case was adjourned to January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The prosecution was directed to wait for the appellate court’s decision before taking further steps on the witnesses.
Conclusion
The trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken a new turn with the court barring the EFCC from calling three subpoenaed witnesses. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2026, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the prosecution’s additional proof of evidence. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
