By Junaid Abdullahi
A federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has adjourned the trial of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to June 24. At yesterday’s proceedings, neither the prosecution counsel nor the defendant was in court
A federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has adjourned the trial of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to June 24.At yesterday’s proceedings, neither the prosecution counsel nor the defendant was in court, but Emefiele was represented by one of his lawyers.
The trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, demanded to know why the defendant was absent. Emefiele’s counsel, I D Ahmed, apologised for his client’s absence and proceeded to inform the court that they were served an adjournment letter by the prosecution.
But the judge retorted: “Because you have a letter of adjournment from the prosecution does not mean the defendant should not be in court.” Justice Muazu then adjourned until June 24 and June 25 for the continuation of the trial.
The Federal Government had, on January 18, amended the criminal charges filed against the CBN ex-governor. Formerly six counts, they were increased to 20. The amended charges border on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony
