Emefiele Seeks Foreclosure of Prosecution Witnesses Over Delay in EFCC Trial

Defence challenges prosecution’s readiness as court insists on final witnesses

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By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria | April 27, 2026

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has asked a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Economic and Financial Crimes Commissionto foreclose the prosecution from calling additional witnesses, citing delays and lack of preparedness by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Emefiele’s application was made on Monday through his counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), following an indication by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that he could not guarantee the presence of the remaining witnesses scheduled to testify on Tuesday.

Oyedepo informed the court that the prosecution was yet to obtain subpoenas for the witnesses, who are currently outside the court’s jurisdiction in Benin and Lagos.

The former CBN governor is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu in a case marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, filed by the EFCC. He faces an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.

Defence Accuses Prosecution of Delay Tactics

During proceedings, Burkaa criticised the prosecution’s conduct, particularly the decision to call an additional investigating officer as the 13th prosecution witness (PW13), arguing that the testimony duplicated earlier evidence.

“We understand their strategy; it appears they are ridiculing the court. All the same, we are ready to proceed,” Burkaa stated.

He also reminded the court that at the previous sitting, the prosecution had indicated it would present its final witness.

When pressed by the court, the prosecution identified two remaining witnesses—Jim Obessa and CP Eloho Okpozikbo.

Justice Muazu subsequently directed the prosecution to present all remaining witnesses within Monday and Tuesday sittings.

Witness Alleges Forgery of Presidential Signatures

Testifying as PW13, EFCC operative Chinedu Eneanya told the court that investigations revealed that $6.23 million was withdrawn from the CBN under the pretext of funding international election observers for the 2023 general elections.

Eneanya stated that documents authorising the disbursement were recovered and that forensic analysis showed the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were forged.

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He further disclosed that several individuals linked to the transaction were interrogated during the investigation.

Defence Questions Credibility of Evidence

Under cross-examination, Eneanya admitted that no forensic analysis was conducted on Emefiele’s signature, despite claims by the defendant that his signature had also been forged.

He added that although five CBN officials signed the internal memo authorising the transaction, none of them is currently standing trial, though they were reportedly suspended.

The witness also acknowledged that he did not personally obtain Emefiele’s statement and did not investigate claims that funds were received on behalf of the defendant by his lawyer.

Burkaa criticised the witness for being evasive, arguing that his testimony lacked credibility.

“It shows he is not a witness of truth, and his entire testimony should be taken with a pinch of salt,” he told the court.

SUBHEAD: Court Declines Immediate Ruling on Foreclosure Request

Following the defence application to bar the prosecution from calling further witnesses if they fail to appear, Oyedepo urged the court to reject the request, insisting the prosecution was not attempting to delay proceedings.

“This is another way they seek to shut the prosecution from presenting its case,” he argued.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu advised both parties to reserve their arguments for final written addresses and directed the prosecution to liaise with the court registrar to expedite the issuance of subpoenas.

The matter was adjourned until Tuesday for continuation of trial.