Alleged procurement fraud: EFCC lawyer’s absence stalls Emefiele’s trial

The absence of lead counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, on Thursday stalled the trial of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, in the procurement fraud charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, had in a letter hinted that he would not be present in court due to another official engagement.

He requested for an adjournment of the trial till the date he suggested.

When the matter was called one I. D. Ahmed, who announced appearance for Emefiele, told the court that the lead counsel to the defendant had informed him of a letter from the prosecution for the adjournment of the matter.

However, trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, observed that the date suggested by EFCC counsel was not convenient with the court.

The judge subsequently fixed June 24 and 25, for continuation of trial.