The ongoing trial of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $6.23 billion fraud, suffered another setback on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to produce its remaining witnesses.
Counsel for the prosecution, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that there was uncertainty over the appearance of the last two witnesses, explaining that subpoenas had yet to be secured and that the witnesses were currently outside the jurisdiction of the court.
Reacting, lead defence counsel, Mr. Matthew Burkaa, SAN, urged the court to foreclose the prosecution’s case should it fail to present the outstanding witnesses.
Despite the delay, the prosecution called its 13th witness, Chinedu Eneanya, an EFCC operative, who testified on alleged illegal withdrawals from the CBN said to have been used to fund international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence in relation to the alleged $6.23 billion fraud.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till April 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.