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Why Emefiele Was Absent As Alleged Unlawful Naira Redesign Trial Stalled
is facing a four-count charge filed by the EFCC
The trial of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, over the alleged unlawful redesign of the naira failed to continue on Thursday after both the defendant and his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, were absent from court.
The matter, which came up before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, was subsequently adjourned to October 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abbas Mohammed, told the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed and had witnesses in attendance, but the absence of the defence made that impossible.
“My Lord, the defence and the defendant are not in court. We received today’s date from the court registrar. Our witness, PW9, is present in court, as well as another witness from the Federal Ministry of Finance,” Mohammed said.
He added that he had spoken with Emefiele’s counsel, who explained that they were unaware the matter had been fixed for hearing.
“I spoke with learned Silk for the defence, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, who informed me that they were unaware of the adjourned date. In view of the absence of the defendant and his counsel, we respectfully pray the court for another date to enable us to present our witnesses,” he said.
Following the prosecution’s application, Justice Anenih adjourned the case until October 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Emefiele is facing a four-count charge filed by the EFCC bordering on alleged disobedience to lawful directives and unlawful acts said to have caused hardship to members of the public in connection with the controversial naira redesign policy.
