News
Emefiele’s Trial: Court Declines EFCC’s Attempt To Add New Evidence
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, yesterday refused to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to include additional proof of evidence against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu refused allowing the prosecution while delivering ruling in a motion filed by Emefiele through his legal team, led by Mathew Burkaa (SAN).
Emefiele, in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, is facing trial for alleged procurement fraud brought against him by the EFCC.
When the case was called, Justice Muazu stated that he would proceed directly to deliver his ruling on the defendant’s application.
Emefiele had in an application, opposed the EFCC’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence more than 365 days after the charges against him were filed.
The EFCC filed the additional proof of evidence on October 15, 2024, seeking to bring two witnesses, Tommy John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extrajudicial statements were made in August 2024, concerning charges filed against the defendant in August 2023.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu noted that the EFCC had earlier, on February 12, 2024, filed additional proof of evidence to accommodate the testimonies of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
He highlighted that the charges against Emefiele were initially filed on August 14, 2023, and his plea was taken on November 16, 2023.
Justice Muazu held that the EFCC’s actions resembled a denial of fair trial because the defendant had not been confronted with the new evidence during the investigation, as required by law.
He described the EFCC’s actions as “trial by ambush” and akin to “fishing for evidence” in a trial that commenced on November 28, 2023.
The judge ruled that allowing the additional proof of evidence after several amendments to the charges would prejudice the defendant, thereby breaching his right to a fair hearing.
He emphasized that, under the law, charges should be filed upon the completion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case. In this instance, he observed, the contrary was evident.
Justice Muazu, however, declined to strike out the charges entirely, as both parties had already joined issues, and the trial was nearing completion.
The judge maintained that justice would best be served if the trial was concluded on its merits and a final judgment delivered.
Additionally, Justice Muazu refused to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from court records, as requested by Emefiele.
The defendant had argued that the evidence violated Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing, citing that the witnesses’ statements were introduced long after the trial commenced without prior confrontation.
Justice Muazu fixed June 3 for the continuation of the trial.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
News2 days agoStakeholders Tasks Fubara on recognition of Nwoga As Nzeobi of Egbema kingdom ….laud Tinubu for lifting Emergency in the state
-
Sports2 days agoPalace End Liverpool’s Invincibility
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoReps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute
-
News2 days agoChina sentences former Agric minister to death
-
Sports2 days agoMakinde Expresses Readiness To Host Super Eagles
-
Niger Delta2 days agoWarri Crisis: Oborevwori Sues For Peace
-
Politics2 days agoExperts Want ECOWAS Parliament To Tackle Fake News
-
Sports2 days agoMan Utd Lose, Again