EFCC: Emefiele Trial Suffer Fresh Delay Over Key Witness

Indications have emerged that the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, may face further delays due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of a key prosecution witness.

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Sources familiar with the case said the prosecution may inform the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Jim Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is currently unavailable to testify.

Obazee is expected to give evidence in the ongoing trial relating to an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy linked to the Central Bank’s Abuja branch.

The development, if confirmed in court, could prompt another request for adjournment by the prosecution.

The trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, had at the last sitting on March 17 expressed concern over repeated delays in the case.

He had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present its principal witness at the next adjourned date, warning of possible consequences if it failed to comply.

Legal observers noted that the court had already granted several adjournments beyond statutory expectations, raising concerns about the pace of proceedings.

According to Vanguard, a source within the judiciary disclosed that the prosecution had earlier considered presenting a police officer as a witness but later dropped the idea.

The decision, it was gathered, may have been influenced by concerns over the weight and credibility of such testimony in a high-profile trial.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that officials of the EFCC have been in contact with Obazee, who is said to be willing to testify if formally approached through appropriate legal channels.

The situation has, however, left uncertainty over whether the prosecution will meet the court’s directive at the next hearing or seek yet another adjournment.