The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ₦500,000 for repeated delays in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged $6.23 million fraud.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the fine after the EFCC failed to present its 13th witness, DCP Edwin Okpoziakpo, and sought yet another adjournment.
Defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the number of adjournments allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The judge ruled that the EFCC’s repeated delays were unjustified and undermined the court’s directive for accelerated proceedings.
READ ALSO: Emefiele: Court Schedules April 17 For Omoile Trial-Within-Trial
While granting the adjournment, he ordered the commission to pay ₦500,000 as cost and warned that further failure to produce witnesses could attract stricter penalties.
The trial has been adjourned to Monday, April 27, 2026, and Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Emefiele faces 20 amended charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The prosecution alleges he unlawfully received $6.23 million, intended for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
Since its commencement in 2023, the trial has been repeatedly delayed, prompting growing concern over the pace of the proceedings.