By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ₦500,000 over repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in a case involving an alleged $6.23 million fraud.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by Justice Hamza Muazu at the FCT High Court in Abuja, after the anti-graft agency failed to present its next prosecution witness, stalling proceedings yet again.
According to court proceedings, the EFCC sought another adjournment after its witness, a Deputy Commissioner of Police involved in the investigation, was unavailable due to administrative and personal constraints. However, the defence strongly opposed the request, noting that the prosecution had already exceeded the legally permitted number of adjournments.
Justice Muazu, while granting a final adjournment in the interest of justice, ruled that the EFCC must pay ₦500,000 as a penalty for delaying the trial, emphasizing the need for diligence in high-profile corruption cases.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretence, all of which he has denied.
The case was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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