Naira Redesign Trial: Justice Anenih Fast‑Tracks EFCC Case Against Ex‑CBN Governor, Sets June Deadline
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has scheduled ten fresh hearing dates to conclude the trial of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the naira redesign policy.
Presiding judge, Hon. Justice Maryann Anenih, fixed the dates on Wednesday after counsel for both parties; Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, for the EFCC, and Olalekan Ojo, SAN, for the defence mutually agreed to the timetable.
The matter is now set down for hearing on the following dates: February: 3 and 10; April: 1 and 2; May: 11, 12, 13, and 14; and June 9 and 10
The court indicated that the trial, which commenced in 2024, is expected to be concluded within this schedule. Justice Anenih directed counsel to adhere strictly to the agreed dates, assuring that the court will provide all necessary arrangements to facilitate the proceedings.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC operative Emere Chinedu, who chaired the inter‑agency panel that investigated Emefiele, testified that the Presidency under late President Muhammadu Buhari formally approved the redesign of the naira notes.
According to Chinedu, the approval was conveyed in writing to the EFCC following its enquiry. He clarified, however, that the approval expressly required that the printing of the redesigned notes be executed locally, contrary to allegations that the notes were printed abroad under Emefiele’s tenure.
“The State House gave approval for the naira redesign, but with a proviso that it must be done locally,” Chinedu told the court.
The witness further disclosed that Emefiele made six extra‑judicial statements before the probe panel on October 26, 27, 30, 31, and November 1 and 2, 2023.
Under cross‑examination, Chinedu declined to comment on Emefiele’s claim that former EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, had initially suggested the redesign to President Buhari. He emphasized that the EFCC lacks statutory authority to propose changes to the naira’s design or colour, noting that any input from the commission could only be advisory.
Chinedu also confirmed that video clips tendered by the EFCC, depicting the hardship Nigerians experienced during the naira redesign, were sourced from the internet prior to the establishment of the probe panel. He added that no staff of the television stations that produced the clips were interviewed in the course of the investigation.
Emefiele is standing trial under charge number FCT/HC/CR/264/2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The matter was adjourned to February 3 for continuation of the cross‑examination of the EFCC witness.
