Alleged $4.5bn fraud: Court shifts Emefiele’s trial to November 11

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged $4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office was stalled on Wednesday following his absence from the proceedings at the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, was present in court as the case came up for hearing.

At the proceedings, defence counsel, Lawal Labi (SAN), informed the court that Emefiele was unavailable and could not attend the trial.

Following the development, the trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, adjourned the case to November 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of proceedings.

Labi said the former CBN governor was undergoing trial at another court in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution counsel, C. C. Okezie, also informed the court that the first defendant, Emefiele, had written a letter dated October 6, stating that he was scheduled to attend another trial in Abuja on the same date for the Lagos trial.

But the second defendant Henry Omoile’s lawyer, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), said he had neither seen nor received any notification from the court on the first defendant’s absence.

He said: “I don’t know why the court will be treating the second defendant as if he is not part of the proceedings.”

Labi urged the court to vacate the previously scheduled trial dates in October.

The lawyer told the court that it would not be convenient for Emefiele to travel from Abuja to Lagos to attend the proceedings the following day in Lagos.

He averred that Emefiele had another ongoing case in Abuja, the outcome of which could not be predicted.

Following the arguments, Justice Oshodi vacated the scheduled dates in October and adjourned the matter till November 11, 12, and 13, for continuation of trial.

Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge before the Special Offences Court for alleged abuse of office, receiving gratification, making corrupt demands and fraudulent receipt of property in transactions involving about $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

Omoile is facing three counts bordering on the alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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