Emefiele: Court summons police chief, one other in $6.23m fraud case

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has summoned former Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee, and a Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, to testify in the ongoing trial of a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Mu’azu issued the order in a subpoena dated April 27, 2026, directing both men to appear before the court on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (today).

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an amended 20-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence to the tune of $6.23m.

In the subpoena, the court stated that the defendant “has been charged by the Federal Republic of Nigeria… on offences emanating from your investigation.”

The judge ordered the witnesses to attend proceedings and give evidence relevant to the charges.

“You are therefore summoned to appear before this Court on the 28th of April, 2026 at the hour of 9 ‘o’ Clock in the forenoon and so soon thereafter from day to day until the above cause is tried,” the document read.

The subpoena further directed them to “tender newspaper publication relating to Naira redesign.”

The court noted that both Obazee and Okpoziakpo participated in the investigation that led to the charges against the former CBN governor and are expected to provide clarification on issues surrounding the naira redesign policy.

The trial is expected to continue with the testimony of the subpoenaed witnesses.

Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]