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Court dismisses EFCC witnesses in Emefiele procurement fraud trial

Published

2 months 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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EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.

The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

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Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

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Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.

Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.

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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.