An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, until May 9, to allow the defence team to review additional proof of evidence submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele faces charges related to a $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud case.
In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi considered arguments from both parties and granted the defence’s request for an adjournment. He emphasized the importance of allowing sufficient time for the defence to thoroughly examine the additional evidence before proceeding with the trial.
Counsel for Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo, highlighted the need for adequate time to review the document, expressing concern over the late service of the additional proof of evidence. He stressed the importance of ensuring fairness in the legal process, urging the court to prioritize justice by granting the adjournment.
Echoing Ojo’s sentiments, defence counsel Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN) emphasized the significance of granting the defence adequate time to study the additional evidence, citing it as a fundamental aspect of the right to a fair trial.
However, EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo argued against the defence’s request for adjournment, emphasizing the prosecution’s diligent preparation and timely disclosure of evidence to the defence. He urged the court to proceed with the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness without unnecessary delays.
Oyedepo defended the prosecution’s actions, refuting claims of prosecutorial unfairness and highlighting the prosecution’s efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
