FCT High Court Fines EFCC N500,000 for Delay in Emefiele Trial
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, has imposed a cost of N500,000 on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for delaying the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu awarded the cost after the prosecution failed to produce its witness at the resumed hearing, despite prior notification. While granting what he described as a final adjournment, the judge cautioned the EFCC to ensure the attendance of its witnesses at the next sitting.
Emefiele is facing a 20‑count amended charge (FCT/HC/CR/577/2023) bordering on 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 under the guise of funding international election observers for the 2023 general election, and of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Abba Mohammed (SAN) explained that the witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Elohor Okpoziakeo, was absent due to a personal matter before the Gwagwalada Division of the FCT High Court. He sought an adjournment to secure the witness’s attendance.
Defence counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) opposed the application, citing Sections 396(3) and (4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which limit adjournments in criminal trials to five. He argued that the prosecution had already exceeded this limit, having secured about eight adjournments since trial commenced.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the statutory limits but held that the court retained discretion to grant adjournments in the interest of justice. He emphasized that the absent witness was a material investigator whose testimony could not be excluded. Relying on Section 396(6) ACJA, the judge sanctioned the EFCC with a cost of N500,000 for causing delay, despite the earlier grant of accelerated hearing.
The matter was adjourned to April 27 and 28, 2026 for continuation of trial.
