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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has scheduled ten new hearing dates to complete the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. He faces charges linked to the naira redesign, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryann Anenih set the dates after EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and Emefiele’s lawyer Olalekan Ojo (SAN) agreed. The hearings are scheduled for:
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February 3 and 10
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April 1 and 2
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May 11, 12, 13, and 14
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June 9 and 10
The court emphasized that the trial, which began in 2024, will conclude by June 10, 2026. Justice Anenih urged both sides to follow the schedule and assured proper court arrangements.
EFCC Witness Testimony
During the resumed hearing, EFCC operative Emere Chinedu said the Presidency under former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the naira redesign. He explained that the approval required local printing of the notes, which contradicts claims that Emefiele printed them abroad.
Moreover, Chinedu stated that Emefiele made six extra-judicial statements before the panel on October 26, 27, 30, 31, and November 1 and 2, 2023.
During cross-examination, Chinedu did not comment on claims that former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa suggested the redesign to Buhari. Instead, he clarified that the EFCC only provides advisory input and cannot decide on the naira’s design.
Additionally, Chinedu confirmed that videos showing hardships Nigerians faced during the redesign existed before the probe panel started. The EFCC downloaded the clips from the internet and did not interview the original TV staff.
Trial Status
Emefiele is being tried under charge FCT/HC/CR/264/2024 and has pleaded not guilty. The next hearing is on February 3, which will continue the cross-examination of the EFCC witness.
