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Court dismisses EFCC witnesses in Emefiele procurement fraud trial

Published

1 week ago

November 28, 2025

Godwin Emefiele

Court dismisses EFCC witnesses in Emefiele procurement fraud trial

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama on Thursday dismissed three subpoenaed witnesses presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, over alleged procurement fraud totaling N1.2 billion.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Hamza Muazu, the court held that the witnesses’ names were part of a supplementary list of evidence the anti-graft agency sought to submit after the case was initially dismissed on March 20, 2025. The court stated that since the EFCC had filed an appeal against the ruling, it must await the Court of Appeal’s determination on the admissibility of the proposed witnesses.

“The ruling of March 20 is now the subject of an appeal. This court cannot change its own decision by allowing these subpoenaed witnesses to testify,” Justice Muazu said, adjourning the trial to January 29, 2026.

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Emefiele, who led the CBN from 2014 to 2023, faces a 20-count charge alleging improper procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020. He is also accused of granting a fraudulent contract advantage to Mrs. Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro of April 1616 Investment Ltd. for 37 Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at N854 million.

The former CBN governor, represented by Mr. Mathew Burkaa, SAN, argued that the EFCC’s attempt to introduce new witnesses after the trial began amounted to trial by ambush and violated his right to a fair hearing under Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution. Burkaa described the move as a procedural misuse by the EFCC.

The EFCC, through Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, countered that the witnesses, including Alvan Grumman, were integral to the investigation and could clarify critical aspects of the case. However, the court ruled that allowing additional testimony would be unfair, given the case’s advanced stage and prior rulings.

Justice Muazu, while upholding the dismissal of the EFCC witnesses, clarified that the trial would proceed to ensure a decision is rendered on its merits. The court also refused to expunge testimony from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga, citing procedural compliance.

The trial, which began on November 28, 2023, continues to attract national attention as a high-profile case involving Nigeria’s former central bank leadership and alleged financial misconduct.

Court dismisses EFCC witnesses in Emefiele procurement fraud trial

Related Topics:EFCC Emefiele fraud trial

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.