A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has scheduled ten additional hearing dates aimed at bringing to a close the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linked to the naira redesign programme instituted during his tenure.
The case, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is being heard by Justice Maryann Anenih, who fixed the dates on Wednesday after both prosecution and defence teams agreed on an accelerated trial schedule.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), jointly consented to the dates, which the court said would ensure the matter, which began in 2024, is concluded by June.
The hearings have been slated for February 3 and 10; April 1 and 2; May 11, 12, 13 and 14; as well as June 9 and 10.
Justice Anenih directed all parties to strictly comply with the timetable, assuring them that the court would make necessary logistical arrangements to accommodate the proceedings.
At the resumed session on Wednesday, an EFCC witness, Emere Chinedu, testified that the decision to redesign the naira notes received presidential approval under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Chinedu, an operative of the commission and head of the inter-agency investigation panel that probed Emefiele, told the court that the approval was formally conveyed to the EFCC in writing following an official enquiry by the commission.
He noted, however, that the approval came with specific conditions, particularly that the printing of the redesigned notes should be carried out within Nigeria, countering claims that the currency was produced abroad during Emefiele’s tenure.
“The state House gave approval for the naira redesign, but with a proviso that it must be done locally,” Chinedu told the court.
The witness further disclosed that Emefiele made six extra-judicial statements while appearing before the probe panel on October 26, 27, 30 and 31, as well as November 1 and 2, 2023.
Under cross-examination, Chinedu declined to address allegations by Emefiele that a former EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, initially proposed the naira redesign to President Buhari. He explained that the EFCC lacks the authority to initiate changes to the colour or design of the naira, noting that any involvement by the commission could only be advisory.
Chinedu also confirmed that video clips depicting hardship allegedly experienced by Nigerians during the currency redesign, which were tendered by the EFCC, existed before the establishment of the probe panel. He said the materials were sourced from the internet and submitted to illustrate the alleged impact of the policy, adding that no personnel from the television stations that aired the clips were interviewed.
Emefiele is being tried under charge number FCT/HC/CR/264/2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to February 3 for the continuation of cross-examination of the EFCC witness.
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