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In a significant ruling aimed at ensuring speedy dispensation of justice, Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has imposed a ₦500,000 fine on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The court took the decision on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after the EFCC failed to produce its 13th witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Edwin Okpoziakeo (also referred to as DCP Elohor Edwin), at the resumed hearing. This marks another instance of adjournment sought by the prosecution, despite the court’s earlier directive for accelerated hearing of the matter.
Justice Muazu expressed displeasure over the serial adjournments, noting that the EFCC had previously given assurances of readiness to proceed expeditiously.
The judge described the latest failure as unacceptable and ordered the anti-graft agency to pay the ₦500,000 cost, which is to be paid to the defence.
The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on allegations of procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretences the sum of $6,230,000 purportedly meant for international election observation or related purposes. Emefiele has consistently pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In its ruling, the court granted the EFCC what it described as a final adjournment, with a strong warning that failure to produce the witness at the next hearing would result in the closure of the prosecution’s case. The matter has been adjourned to April 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Reacting to the development, counsel to the defendant described the fine as a necessary judicial intervention to curb unnecessary delays in high-profile cases, emphasizing that justice delayed is justice denied.