The High Court in Maitama, Abuja, declined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s request to introduce additional evidence against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. The judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, made this decision during a ruling on a motion filed by Emefiele’s legal team, led by Mathew Burkaa (SAN).
Emefiele is currently facing trial for alleged procurement fraud, and the court proceeding involved the prosecution’s attempt to bring forth new evidence beyond the originally filed charges. Justice Muazu pointed out that introducing fresh evidence after a significant period could prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair trial. He likened the EFCC’s actions to a “trial by ambush” and emphasized the importance of following due process in legal proceedings.
Despite refusing to dismiss the charges entirely, Justice Muazu stressed the need for a fair and just trial, setting the date for the trial to resume on June 3. The judge also rejected a request to remove the evidence of certain witnesses from the court records, emphasizing the importance of upholding the defendant’s rights during the legal process.