An Abuja High Court has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N500,000 for repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, imposed the fine after the prosecution failed to produce its 13th witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Edwin Okpoziakeo, in court.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretences during his tenure as head of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The EFCC alleges that he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
The agency also accused him of granting undue advantages to two firms—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
However, the former apex bank chief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed told the court that the witness was unavailable due to administrative requirements, including directives from the police hierarchy.
He added that the witness was also engaged in another legal matter in Gwagwalada.
Defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request for another adjournment, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the maximum number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
He noted that despite earlier calls for accelerated hearing, the EFCC had continued to stall proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the repeated delays but stated that the court could still grant adjournments in the interest of justice, especially where key witnesses are involved.
He, however, sanctioned the EFCC with a N500,000 fine for its failure to proceed as scheduled.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 for continuation of trial.
