The ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has encountered fresh challenges, as the prosecution appears to be grappling with the unavailability of a crucial witness. Reports indicate that the prosecution might inform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that Jim Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu, is unable to testify in the case concerning an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy at the CBN’s Abuja branch. Sources close to the case suggest that this could lead to another request for an adjournment. Legal experts have pointed out that the court, under the leadership of Justice Hamza Muazu, has already voiced concerns over the repeated delays in the trial. In fact, several adjournments have been granted, some of which exceeded the statutory time limits, raising concerns about the efficiency of the proceedings. At the last hearing on March 17, Justice Muazu explicitly directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present its principal witness on the next adjourned date, cautioning that failure to comply could result in consequences. A judicial source, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the prosecution had initially planned to call a police officer as a witness but later scrapped the idea. The decision to abandon this plan was reportedly due to concerns about the reliability and weight of the testimony in such a high-profile case. As the trial progresses, it has also been disclosed that EFCC officials have been in communication with Obazee, who, despite the current challenges, has reportedly expressed his willingness to testify—provided he is formally approached through the proper legal channels.
In Ibadan, two officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, were attacked by tricycle riders and hoodlums while on duty. The incident occurred at the Water Corporation gate in Ibadan, where the officers were struck with iron rods, stones, and sticks, causing serious injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the officers had stopped a commercial tricycle that was blocking the road and causing traffic congestion. While they were transporting the tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of angry tricycle riders and hoodlums. A good Samaritan intervened, helping the officers escape the mob. The injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment at the State clinic in the Secretariat, Ibadan. The Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), confirmed that seven individuals were arrested in connection with the attack. He condemned the assault, expressing his dismay that officers who are dedicated to maintaining road safety are being targeted. Adesagba assured that the OYRTMA will continue its efforts to enforce road orderliness and will not be intimidated by such attacks. The arrested suspects are being held at the Idi-Ape police station, and they will face legal consequences for their actions. The suspects were brought before the Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on charges of assault. Each suspect was granted bail with one surety and a bond of N100,000. However, since they could not meet the bail conditions, they were remanded in Agodi Prison pending further proceedings. The case has been adjourned to November 17, 2024. READ ALSO:
