EFCC Submits Newspaper Reports as Evidence in Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday presented several newspaper publications as evidence in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linked to the controversial naira redesign policy.

The documents were tendered before the Federal Capital Territory High Court through a National Library official, Jegede Oluwasegun, who appeared as a subpoenaed witness for the prosecution.

Emefiele is facing a four-count charge bordering on alleged disobedience to the law and actions said to have caused public injury during the implementation of the naira redesign policy between October 2022 and March 2023.

According to the EFCC, the former CBN governor allegedly approved the printing of more than 375 million redesigned N1,000 notes worth over N11 billion without obtaining recommendations from the CBN board and approval from the President as required under the CBN Act.

During the hearing, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), tendered copies of newspapers including Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun and The Nation, alongside certification documents from the National Library.

Defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), did not oppose the admission of the documents, and the court accepted them as exhibits.

While being cross-examined, the National Library official stated that his responsibility was limited to certifying the newspapers and not verifying the accuracy of their contents.

Justice Maryanne Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter until May 12 for continuation of trial proceedings.

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