Emefiele’s Trial Adjourned to May 9 Following EFCC’s Submission of Additional Evidence

The Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Friday, postponed proceedings until May 9 to allow the defense to review additional evidence provided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the case of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in a brief ruling, acknowledged the arguments from both sides and agreed with the defense’s request for adjournment, stating, “I am satisfied with the reasons given by the defense for the adjournment. Therefore, I grant it. The trial will resume on May 9.”

Earlier, counsel for Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo, explained to the court that the prosecution had submitted additional evidence, which the defense needed time to review thoroughly, as Emefiele had not yet seen the document. Ojo stressed the importance of allowing sufficient time for the defense to prepare and suggested that rushing through the process could compromise justice.

Supporting Ojo’s stance, the second defense counsel, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), emphasized the need for fairness and adequate opportunity for the defense to study the new evidence, criticizing the prosecution for conducting investigations while the trial was ongoing.

In response, EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo argued against further delays, pointing out that the prosecution had provided the evidence well in advance and had made efforts to ensure transparency in the process. He urged the court to proceed with the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays in the trial process.