A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N500,000 for delaying the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the sanction after the anti-graft agency failed to produce a key witness at the resumed hearing, citing repeated adjournments sought by the prosecution.
Despite the setback, the court granted what it described as a final adjournment to allow the EFCC present its witnesses.
Emefiele is currently facing a 20-count amended charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
Among the allegations, he is accused of fraudulently obtaining $6.23 million reportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections, as well as conferring corrupt advantages on April 1616 Nigeria Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), told the court that the scheduled witness, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, was absent due to a personal legal matter before a High Court in Gwagwalada involving a garnishee order on his bank account.
He added that a formal request had been made to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the witness’s appearance and sought an adjournment.
However, defence counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution had exceeded the number of adjournments permitted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Burkaa maintained that the EFCC had already taken eight adjournments despite earlier securing accelerated hearing, adding that the prosecution had ample time to prepare its case.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged that the law limits adjournments but noted that the court retains discretion in the interest of justice, particularly in complex cases.
Citing Section 396(6) of the ACJA, the judge imposed a N500,000 cost against the EFCC for delaying the trial.
The case was adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of hearing.
