EFCC Seeks Virtual Testimony from US-Based Witnesses in Emefiele Trial

The prosecution counsel in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, requested that Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, permit two witnesses, I.E. Obiora and Aisha Ahmed, who are currently in the United States, to testify via video link.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on a four-count charge involving disobedience of legal directives and actions detrimental to the public, primarily surrounding the controversial naira redesign policy. This was disclosed in a statement shared on the commission’s official X account.

During Thursday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Abass Mohammed informed the court that logistical challenges had prevented the witnesses from traveling to Nigeria. He subsequently filed a motion seeking the court’s approval to allow their testimony to be given remotely via platforms like Zoom.

“We have filed a motion seeking the court’s indulgence to allow the oral evidence of the two witnesses to be taken via Zoom or other video platforms, my lord,” Mohammed stated.

The defense counsel, A. Labi-Lawal, did not oppose the motion but sought clarification on whether the U.S.-based witnesses would be the prosecution’s final witnesses in the trial.

“We are not opposing the motion, but we would like to confirm from the prosecution if these are the only remaining witnesses in this case, my lord,” Labi-Lawal inquired.

Mohammed responded that the prosecution had additional witnesses and that the request to call these two first was part of a broader strategy to streamline the case.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Anenih granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case to November 14, 26, December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.