Emefiele Trial: Court Adjourns Case Amidst EFCC’s Fresh Evidence Submission

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed more evidence against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, prompting an adjournment of the case till May 9 by the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Friday, May 3.

Emefiele was accused of defrauding N2.8 billion and $4.5 billion.

In a brief order, Justice Rahman Oshodi stated that after reviewing the statements from both sides, he was pleased with the defense’s justification for the delay.

He said: “I have considered the conflicting submissions regarding whether I should adjourn for further continuation of trial or not. I am satisfied with the reasons given by the defence. For the adjournment sought, I grant it. I adjourned until May 9 for continuation of trial.”

The prosecution had filed an extra proof of evidence, and Olalekan Ojo, the ex-CBN governor’s attorney, had earlier told the court he needed time to review it.

Ojo said that Emefiele was unaware of the paper and that expedited justice equates to subverted justice.

“I am constrained at this point to ask your lordship to do justice, the proof must be served early enough but I was being served this morning.

“Defence may find anything useful in the additional proof of evidence to cross-examine the witness in the box.

“I humbly urge the court to adjourn this matter so that I can thoroughly go through it and study it,” he said.

Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), the second defense attorney, likewise supported the first defense attorney’s statement.

Kotoye argued that it was only in this part of the world that prosecution would be conducting an investigation, while a case was already ongoing in court.

For this reason, he asked the court to adjourn the case so that it would be fair and give them enough time to review the new evidence. [CONTINUE READING HERE]