The absence of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele stalled his trial before the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday.

Mr Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are on trial over alleged gratification, corrupt demands, abuse of office, and unlawful acceptance of gifts.

He is facing a 19-count charge of alleged gratification, corrupt demands, and abuse of office involving transactions valued at $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

Mr Omoile is facing a three-count charge of alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts.

When the case was called on Tuesday, the first defence counsel, Labi Lawal (SAN), informed the court that Mr Emefiele would not be available for the proceedings.

Mr Lawal urged the court to vacate the previously scheduled trial dates in October.

He submitted that it would not be convenient for Mr Emefiele to travel from Abuja to Lagos to attend the proceedings the following day after appearing in court in Abuja.

According to him, Mr Emefiele has another ongoing case in Abuja, the outcome of which cannot be predicted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Chinyenye Okezie, also informed the court that Emefiele had written a letter dated October 6.

Ms Okezie said Mr Emefiele stated in the letter that he would attend another trial in Abuja on the same date scheduled for the Lagos trial.

However, counsel to the second defendant, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), said he had neither seen nor received any notification from the court regarding Emefiele’s absence.

“I do not know why the court will be treating the second defendant as if he is not part of the proceedings,” Mr Kotoye said.

Justice Rahman Oshodi thereafter vacated the scheduled dates in October and adjourned the case until November 11 for continuation of the trial.

The court had, on July 9, admitted as evidence extra-judicial statements made by Emefiele in his trial for alleged abuse of office. 

(NAN)