Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The continuation of the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele was stalled on Thursday, July 16, 2026, due to the absence of both the defendant and his lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Emefiele is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a four-count charge bordering on alleged disobedience to lawful directives and unlawful acts that allegedly caused harm to members of the public in connection with the controversial naira redesign policy.
At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel Abbas Mohammed informed the court that the defence team and the defendant were not present. "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. 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," Mohammed said.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter till October 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of trial. The adjournment marks another delay in the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public attention since the controversial naira redesign policy was implemented during Emefiele's tenure as CBN governor. The policy, which involved the redesign of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, sparked widespread controversy and hardship across the country, leading to protests and legal challenges.
Emefiele has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the naira redesign policy. The former CBN governor had previously argued that the policy was implemented in accordance with the provisions of the CBN Act and that he acted in the best interest of the economy. However, the EFCC has maintained that his actions were unlawful and caused significant harm to Nigerians.
The trial has been marked by multiple adjournments since it began, with both the prosecution and defence seeking additional time to prepare their cases. The absence of Emefiele and his counsel on Thursday further underscores the challenges facing the judicial process in high-profile cases involving former public officials.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the case is prosecuted to its logical conclusion. The commission has described the charges against Emefiele as serious and has urged the court to ensure that the trial proceeds without further delays. The next hearing is scheduled for October 6 and 7, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to present its witnesses and continue its case against the former CBN governor.
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