Court Adjourns Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele’s Procurement Fraud Trial to June 3
An Abuja High Court has adjourned the ongoing procurement fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to June 3, 2025. Justice Hamza Muazu, presiding over the case, also rejected additional evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing violations of Emefiele’s right to a fair trial.
The adjournment and rejection of the new evidence mark significant developments in the high-profile case, which has drawn national attention due to its implications for accountability and governance in Nigeria.
Rejection of Additional Evidence
Justice Muazu criticized the EFCC for submitting additional proof of evidence on October 15, 2024, over a year after the initial charges were filed in August 2023. The new evidence sought to introduce two fresh witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose statements were made in August 2024.
The judge described the EFCC’s actions as “trial by ambush,” emphasizing that a criminal charge should be based on a completed investigation, not an ongoing one. He noted that the prosecution had already amended the charges multiple times and submitted additional evidence on February 12, 2024, including testimony from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
While rejecting the latest evidence, Justice Muazu declined to strike out the entire case, as requested by Emefiele’s defense team. He ruled that since both parties had presented arguments and the trial was nearing completion, it would be in the interest of justice to proceed with the case.
Defense Arguments
Emefiele’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mathew Burkaa, argued that the prosecution failed to confront the former CBN governor with certain witness statements during the investigation, violating his right to a fair hearing. However, the court declined to expunge the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga from the records.
Charges Against Emefiele
Emefiele faces a 20-count amended charge filed by the EFCC, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretenses, and obtaining money by false pretenses. The anti-graft agency alleges that Emefiele forged a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions,” dated January 26, 2023, and falsely attributed it to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He is also accused of using his position as CBN governor to grant unfair and corrupt advantages to two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Implications of the Case
The trial of Godwin Emefiele is one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, involving a former top government official. The case underscores the challenges of ensuring accountability and transparency in public office, particularly in institutions as critical as the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The adjournment and rejection of additional evidence highlight the importance of adhering to due process and protecting the rights of defendants in criminal trials. The case also raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-corruption investigations and prosecutions in Nigeria.
Next Steps
As the trial adjourns to June 3, 2025, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption and the credibility of its judicial system.
