Justice Mary Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present two witnesses virtually in the trial of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s application, allowing it to field the witnesses, who are currently abroad, via video link.
The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on six counts, including the unlawful printing of new naira notes.
During the proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel informed the court that the two witnesses the prosecution intended to call were based in the United States. He explained that his team faced challenges in bringing the witnesses to Nigeria and requested permission to take their oral evidence through Zoom or other video platforms.
The defense counsel raised no objections to the prosecution’s application but sought clarification on whether these witnesses would be the last called by the prosecution.
After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Anenih granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the trial until November 14 and 26, December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.