The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to present virtual testimonies from Nigerians residing in the United States as part of the ongoing trial against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
During a court session on Thursday, October 17, 2024, EFCC’s prosecution counsel urged Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, to allow two of its key witnesses, I.E. Obiora and Aisha Ahmed, who are currently in the U.S., to testify via video links.
In a statement released by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, and obtained by SaharaReporters, it was noted, “The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on a four-count charge, including disobedience to legal directives and illegal actions that harmed the public, particularly concerning the controversial naira redesign policy.”
At the session, EFCC counsel Abass Mohammed explained the challenges faced in bringing the witnesses to Nigeria and requested the court’s permission to allow their testimonies to be delivered virtually. “We have filed a motion requesting my lord’s approval to take the oral evidence of the two witnesses via Zoom or other video platforms,” Mohammed told the court.
He further informed the court that the motion had been served to the defence, and with the court’s consent, he sought to move forward with the virtual testimonies.
Responding to the application, defence counsel A. Labi-Lawal expressed no objection but sought clarification on whether these would be the final witnesses called by the prosecution. “We are not opposing the motion, but we would like confirmation from the prosecution on whether these are the last witnesses in the trial, my lord,” Labi-Lawal remarked.
In response, Mohammed assured the court that while these U.S.-based witnesses were essential, there were still other witnesses to be called as part of the ongoing case review.
After hearing both parties, Justice Anenih granted the prosecution’s request and scheduled the next trial sessions for November 14, 26, December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.
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