The trial of former Godwin Emefiele over the controversial redesign and printing of new naira notes took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama refused a defence request to adjourn proceedings.
Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court ruled that cross-examination must continue, dismissing objections raised by the defence over the late release of a key investigative document.
Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a four-count charge bordering on the alleged unlawful printing of new naira notes during his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Defence Cries Foul Over Late Document
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Abbas Mohammed informed the court that the matter was slated for the continuation of cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7), who was present in court.
However, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, objected, arguing that an investigation report — including the statement of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc — had been served on the defence barely 20 minutes before the sitting.
According to Ojo, the six-page report should have been made available at least 24 to 48 hours earlier to allow adequate preparation.
“My Lord, the investigation report was made available to us barely 20 minutes before today’s proceedings.
Even the defendant has not had the opportunity to see it,” he told the court, insisting that as a court of record, due process must be strictly observed.
He consequently applied for an adjournment.
Prosecution Pushes Back
In response, Mohammed maintained that the prosecution had not deliberately withheld the document to disadvantage the defence.
He explained that during the previous sitting, the defence had demanded production of the investigation report while cross-examining PW7.
He argued that the report was a document to be tendered through the witness in court and urged the judge to direct the defence to proceed.
“My Lord, we have other dates to take issues relating to the investigation report. We pray that today’s proceedings be exhausted,” he submitted.
Judge’s Firm Ruling
In a firm ruling, Justice Anineh declined the application for adjournment and ordered the continuation of cross-examination.
Following the decision, Ojo resumed questioning PW7, focusing on email exchanges between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company and global currency firm De La Rue.
Under cross-examination, the witness confirmed that the emails were provided to the EFCC team by the Managing Director, identified in court as Ahmed Halilu.
However, he admitted he could not recall how many statements Halilu made or precisely when the investigation concluded.
The witness also confirmed that inquiries were made regarding the volume of new naira notes released to commercial banks but stated that he did not have the figures readily available in court.
As proceedings continue, the high-profile case surrounding the contentious naira redesign remains under intense legal scrutiny, with both sides bracing for further courtroom fireworks.
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