- Emefiele Trial Faces Fresh Delay Over Witness Uncertainty
- Court had earlier warned EFCC against repeated adjournments
- Witness reportedly willing to testify if properly approached
Indications have emerged that proceedings in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, may face further delays as uncertainty surrounds the availability of a key prosecution witness.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that sources familiar with the case said the prosecution may inform the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Jim Obazee is unavailable to testify in the ongoing trial.
The case is linked to an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy involving the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Abuja branch.
The development could prompt another request for adjournment. However, legal observers noted that the court, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, has previously raised concerns over repeated delays, having granted several adjournments beyond statutory expectations.
At the last sitting on March 17, Justice Muazu directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to present its principal witness at the next hearing, warning of possible consequences for failure to comply.
A judicial source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the prosecution had earlier considered presenting a police officer as a witness but later dropped the plan.
The source suggested that concerns over the weight and credibility of such testimony in a high profile case may have influenced the decision.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that officials of the anti graft agency have been in contact with Obazee, who is said to be willing to testify if formally approached through the appropriate channels.
