By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a significant legal blow to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has rejected the Commission’s attempt to introduce additional proof of evidence against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.
Delivering his ruling on a motion filed by Emefiele objecting to the EFCC’s move, Justice Muazu condemned the agency’s actions as a violation of the former CBN governor’s right to a fair trial. The judge pointed out that the EFCC had already amended its charge multiple times since first filing it on August 14, 2023. He noted that the additional proof of evidence, which included testimonies from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga, was first introduced on February 12, 2024—months after Emefiele had already taken his plea on November 16, 2023.
Justice Muazu ruled that the EFCC’s last-minute attempt to introduce new evidence amounted to "trial by ambush" and an act of "fishing for evidence" long after the case had commenced on November 28, 2023. He emphasized that charges in criminal matters must be based on completed investigations, not evolving accusations, stressing that allowing the EFCC’s move would set a dangerous precedent for fair trial rights.
However, while the judge rejected the new evidence, he declined Emefiele’s request to strike out the entire charge, stating that both parties had already joined issues and the trial was nearing completion.
This ruling is yet another twist in the high-profile case against the embattled former CBN governor, whose trial continues amidst mounting legal battles.