The trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, was on Tuesday stalled due to the absence of the prosecution team, prompting the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, to issue a stern warning to the prosecution.
Emefiele is facing prosecution by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conferring corrupt advantage, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence.
Among the allegations, he is accused of abusing his office by awarding six contracts worth N1.2bn for the supply of vehicles to April 1616, a company linked to a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yaro, between 2018 and 2022. The former apex bank chief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At Tuesday’s sitting, Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), expressed frustration over the prosecution’s failure to appear despite being aware of the hearing date since June 27. He told the court that neither lead prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) nor any other lawyer was present.
Burkaa further disclosed that the court’s registrar had informed him via WhatsApp that a letter seeking adjournment had been sent, but the letter originated from the EFCC rather than the AGF’s office, which had filed the case. He questioned why the EFCC, which was not the prosecuting authority, applied for an adjournment.
The defence counsel opposed the adjournment, arguing that his client and legal team had travelled from Lagos for the hearing, only to find the prosecution absent. He also reminded the court that it was the prosecution that earlier sought an accelerated hearing of the case.
After listening to the defence counsel, Justice Muazu said the court would give the prosecution one last opportunity, warning that it would “do the needful” should the prosecution fail to appear at the next adjourned date.
Justice Muazu, therefore, adjourned the case to October 22 and 23 for the continuation of the trial.
