In a significant development in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, the prosecution has requested to allow two key witnesses to testify remotely from the United States.
The request, made by prosecution counsel Abass Mohammed, comes as the trial continues at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Emefiele is facing a four-count charge related to disobedience of legal directives and causing harm to the public due to the contentious naira redesign policy.
At the trial’s resumed session, Mohammed informed the court of difficulties in bringing witnesses I.E Obiora and Aisha Ahmed to Nigeria. As a result, the prosecution sought permission to take their oral evidence via video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
The defence counsel, A. Labi-Lawal, did not object to the request but sought clarification on whether these two witnesses would be the last to be called by the prosecution. In response, Mohammed stated that the prosecution plans to call additional witnesses as part of an ongoing review of its case plan.
After hearing from both sides, Justice Maryanne Anenih granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the trial until November 14, 26, December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.
The trial of Emefiele, which centres around allegations of wrongdoing related to the naira redesign policy, has garnered significant attention in Nigeria. The policy, implemented during Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank Governor, aimed to revamp the country’s currency but was met with widespread criticism and controversy.
As the trial continues, all eyes will be on the testimony of these key witnesses, which could significantly impact the outcome of the case. With the court’s approval of remote testimony, the stage is set for a critical phase in the proceedings against Emefiele.
The adjournment of the trial allows both sides to prepare for the upcoming testimony, which is expected to shed new light on the allegations against Emefiele. As the trial resumes in the coming months, the testimonies of these witnesses will be closely watched, and their impact on the case will be eagerly anticipated.
