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Court Sets October Date To Kick Emefiele’s Trial Back Into Gear
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has set October 21 for the next phase of the trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, following the testimony of a key witness and the submission of crucial documents.
Eko Hot Blog reports that a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has scheduled October 21 for the continuation of the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, set this date following the conclusion of the cross-examination of the ninth prosecution witness, Abibia Ockiya-Ogeleye.
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Ockiya-Ogeleye, a practising attorney, was questioned by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
She testified about her services to Architekon Nigeria Limited in 2021, which included preparing annual reports and modifying the company’s leadership and ownership structure.
She revealed that the company initially had only two directors before Mrs. Esther Oyeladun Adeoun requested her appointment as a new director.
The witness submitted various documents, including a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) document listing the company’s shareholders, a share transfer document, and a resolution approving Esther’s directorship. Justice Muazu accepted these documents as evidence.
During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), Ockiya-Ogeleye admitted she never met McCombo, one of the shareholders, in person, nor did she witness the signing of the documents presented.
Earlier, Mr. Umar Tilda, a Zenith Bank Compliance Officer and one of the eight prosecution witnesses, presented bank documents to the court, including Emefiele’s bank statement. He noted a transfer of ₦4 million from Emefiele’s account to Architekon on January 13, 2015, but could not provide the purpose of the transfer when questioned by Burkaa.
Also, when asked if he knew that the accounts he listed as belonging to Emefiele were salary accounts, investments, savings and dividends, he replied, “I wouldn’t know.”
He also verified that certain accounts included provisions for Capital Interest Credit.
Court Emefiele’s Trial
He also verified that a transaction involving an N15 million credit, recorded on April 13, 2015, in account number 2020000064, was linked to legal proceedings.
The court decided to postpone the trial until October 21 for further proceedings.
The court scheduled July 8 to address Emefiele’s request for the issuance of his passport, allowing him to seek medical treatment abroad.
Emefiele’s attorney informed the court that after leaving office, Emefiele had not sought any medical treatment.
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Emefiele is under indictment for a series of 20 counts, brought against him by the EFCC, against his preferred.
Emefiele, along with other officials, is being charged with using his position as Governor of the Central Bank to secure corrupt and unjust advantages for his spouse, colleagues, Mrs. Yaro, and two entities: April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
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