Repeated delays in the trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, have earned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a N500,000 fine from an Abuja High Court, highlighting challenges in expediting high-profile corruption cases.
The ruling came after the prosecution failed to produce its 13th witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakeo, who was scheduled to testify. Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the fine, noting the EFCC’s repeated adjournment requests despite earlier commitments to accelerate proceedings.
Emefiele faces charges including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence. The EFCC alleges he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million, purportedly intended for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
The agency also claims he conferred corrupt advantages on April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel, A.O. Mohammed, explained that the witness could not attend due to administrative procedures. He said the Force Headquarters had instructed the witness to appear only after a formal request was sent to the Inspector-General of Police. Mohammed also noted that the witness was attending to a personal matter in another court in Gwagwalada, where his bank account was reportedly under a garnishee order, and requested another adjournment.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, opposed the request, citing Sections 396(3) and (4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which limit the number of adjournments a party may request. He noted that the prosecution had already been granted eight adjournments, exceeding the statutory limit of five, and argued that the EFCC had previously sought an accelerated hearing but had repeatedly delayed proceedings.
Justice Muazu acknowledged the prosecution’s multiple adjournment requests but stressed that the court retains discretion to grant them when necessary in the interest of justice. Nonetheless, he imposed the N500,000 fine for unnecessary delays.
The trial has been adjourned to April 27, 2026 for continuation.
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