The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its corruption case against former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The additional proof of evidence sought to introduce two new prosecution witnesses with fresh documents relevant to their anticipated testimonies in court.
The extra-judicial statements of the two proposed prosecution witnesses – Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke – meant to be part of the additional proof of evidence, were made in August 2024.
The request, filed by EFCC on 15 October 2024, came about one and a half years after the charges were filed in court. As of early February this year, the prosecution already called 10 witnesses.
Delivering ruling on Thursday on a motion on notice filed by Mr Emefiele to object to the request of the EFCC, judge Hamza Muazu held that the anti-graft agency had on 12 February 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
He also noted that the charges against Mr Emefiele were filed on 14 August 2023 and his plea taken on 16 November 2023.
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