The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, may suffer further delays following uncertainty over the availability of a key prosecution witness.
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the prosecution is expected to inform the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Jim Obazee may be unable to appear in court as scheduled.
Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to testify in the case involving an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy linked to the Central Bank’s Abuja branch.
If his absence is confirmed, the prosecution may seek another adjournment.
At the previous hearing on March 17, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, expressed concern over the repeated delays in the case. He directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure the appearance of its principal witness at the next sitting, warning of possible consequences for further setbacks.
Legal observers note that the court has already granted several adjournments beyond what is typically expected, raising concerns about the pace of the proceedings.
A judicial source also revealed that the prosecution had earlier considered presenting a police officer as a witness but later dropped the plan, reportedly due to concerns over the credibility and strength of such evidence in a high-profile case.
Meanwhile, EFCC officials are said to be in contact with Obazee, who remains willing to testify once properly notified through legal channels.
However, it remains unclear whether the prosecution will comply with the court’s directive at the next hearing or request yet another postponement.