Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to present two key witnesses virtually in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
In her ruling on Friday, Justice Maryann Anenih approved the EFCC’s application, allowing the witnesses, who are currently based in the United States, to testify via video link. The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on six charges, including allegations of unlawfully printing new naira notes.
During the court session, the EFCC counsel explained that logistical challenges prevented the witnesses from traveling to Nigeria, prompting the request for their testimonies to be given through virtual platforms like Zoom. The defense counsel did not object to the application but sought confirmation that these would be the final witnesses from the prosecution.
Following this, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s request, with the trial set to resume on November 14, 26, December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.
READ ALSO : Emefiele pleads not guilty to printing N684.5m notes with N18.96bn
Credible News recalls that Godwin Emefiele had pleaded not guilty to a fresh four count charge bothering on the approval and printing of N684.5m at the rate of N18.96bn. EFCC, on May 15,arraigned the CBN Governor on these counts before Justice Maryann Anenih.
In the four-count charge filed against him, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele disobeyed the direction of law with intent to cause injury to the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The anti-graft agency also accused Emefiele of unlawfully approving the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.
On November 17, 2023, Emefiele was arraigned before Justice Hamza Muazu on a six-count charge of procurement fraud to which he pleaded not guilty.
He was also accused of abusing his office by approving a contract for the acquisition of 43 vehicles totalling N1.2 billion from 2018 to 2020.
On April 8, 2024, the EFCC also arraigned the former banker alongside one Henry Omoile before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for an alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.
He also pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Credible News.ng
