The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed
multiple dates for the continuation and conclusion of the trial involving
former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Maryann Anenih announced the trial dates
following an agreement between counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo
(SAN).
The court scheduled proceedings for February 3 and 10;
April 1 and 2; May 11, 12, 13, and 14; as well as June 9 and 10. The judge
noted that the case, which commenced in 2024, is expected to be wrapped up
within the outlined dates.
Justice Anenih urged both legal teams to adhere
strictly to the timetable, assuring them that the court would make adequate
arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings.
During the hearing, an EFCC witness, Emere Chinedu,
testified that the Presidency under former President Muhammadu Buhari granted
approval for the redesign of the naira.
Chinedu, an EFCC operative who led the inter-agency
panel that investigated Emefiele, told the court that the approval was
communicated to the commission through a formal letter from the State House.
However, he disclosed that the approval came with a
condition that the printing of the redesigned naira notes should be carried out
locally, rather than abroad as was done under Emefiele’s leadership at the CBN.
The witness further revealed that Emefiele made six
separate extra-judicial statements while appearing before the probe panel,
explaining that the statements were recorded on October 26, 27, 30, and 31, as
well as November 1 and 2, 2023.
According to Chinedu, the panel extended its
investigation to the Presidency to verify the existence of an official
authorization for the naira redesign, which was subsequently confirmed in
writing.
“The approval for the naira redesign was granted by
the State House, but it was clearly stated that the printing must be done
locally,” the witness told the court.
Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel,
Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the EFCC witness declined to respond to claims that a
former EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was the first to suggest the naira
redesign to President Buhari.
He maintained that the EFCC does not possess the
authority to initiate changes to the naira, adding that any involvement by the
agency would be limited to an advisory role.
Chinedu also addressed several video clips tendered by
the EFCC, which showed Nigerians expressing hardship during the naira redesign
period. He admitted that the videos existed before the probe panel was
established and were sourced from the internet.
He stated that the panel did not produce the videos,
identify the broadcasters involved, or interview any staff of the television
stations that aired the reports.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned further
cross-examination of the witness to February 3.
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