Emefiele Trial: Co-Defendant Admits Giving False Statement to EFCC in Alleged ₦4.5bn Fraud Case
Abuja, Nigeria — A co-defendant in the alleged ₦4.5 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, has admitted before the court that parts of the statement he earlier gave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were untrue.
The admission emerged during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja where the anti-graft agency is prosecuting Emefiele and several others over allegations linked to financial misconduct during his tenure at the apex bank.
The witness, who is standing trial alongside the former CBN governor, acknowledged under cross-examination that he had lied in sections of the statement he previously made to EFCC investigators, raising fresh questions about the reliability of aspects of the prosecution’s evidence.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, defence lawyers questioned the credibility of the statement attributed to the witness, prompting the admission that certain details provided to investigators were inaccurate.
The development became a focal point of the court session as legal teams for the defendants sought to challenge the evidential weight of the testimony presented by the prosecution.
The EFCC has accused the defendants of involvement in a scheme tied to alleged financial infractions amounting to about ₦4.5 billion, part of a wider investigation into financial activities during Emefiele’s time as head of Nigeria’s central bank.
Defence Raises Concerns
Lawyers representing the defendants argued that inconsistencies in witness statements could undermine parts of the prosecution’s case. They maintained that the court must carefully examine the circumstances under which the statement was obtained.
The prosecution, however, insisted that the overall case against the defendants remains strong and urged the court to consider the broader evidence presented in the trial.
Ongoing Trial
The case forms part of several legal proceedings involving the former CBN governor following investigations by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies into alleged financial irregularities.
Justice in the matter adjourned proceedings to a later date for continuation of the trial as both the prosecution and defence prepare further submissions.