The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, is entering a निर्णing phase as mounting delays and shifting prosecutorial tactics intensify pressure on the FCT High Court to consider vacating the case over the alleged missing $6.23 million from the bank’s Abuja branch.

Fresh indications suggest that the federal government may again approach the court seeking an adjournment, citing the unavailability of a key witness, Commissioner of Police Elohor Edwin Okpoziakeo, who is reportedly engaged elsewhere. This development could once more stall proceedings and prevent the anticipated testimonies of both the police commissioner and Jim Obazee.

However, the court’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Having already granted eight adjournments—beyond the five permitted under the law—legal observers believe any further delay may be resisted. Should the prosecution fail to present its witnesses, the court may be left with little option but to strike out the case for lack of diligent prosecution.

Insiders reveal that the prosecution had initially positioned the police commissioner as a central witness but reconsidered the move at the last minute. Concerns reportedly arose that relying on a police officer in such a sensitive matter could introduce contradictions capable of weakening the case.

Focus has since returned to Obazee, whose investigation into the apex bank is widely regarded as the foundation of the allegations. An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is said to have contacted him, and he has indicated readiness to testify if formally invited. Yet, his continued absence from court proceedings has raised questions about the prosecution’s consistency.

Some sources suggest that excluding Obazee from testifying could be deliberate, as his findings—believed to contain critical evidence—might significantly influence the direction of the trial. Without his testimony, the prosecution risks undermining its own case, further fueling calls for the matter to be dismissed.

Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, had earlier issued a clear directive on March 17, ordering the EFCC to produce its key witness by April 27 or face possible legal consequences. The warning followed repeated adjournments and growing frustration over the slow pace of the trial.

The origins of the case date back to July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu appointed Obazee, former head of the Financial Reporting Council, to investigate alleged financial misconduct within the CBN and other government-linked entities. His preliminary report, submitted in December 2023, highlighted the disappearance of $6.23 million and recommended prosecution of several individuals.

Further complicating the prosecution’s case are reports that some individuals initially listed for prosecution—including Boss Mustapha—have now been repositioned as government witnesses. Critics argue that this shift could dilute the strength of the case and cast doubt on its overall direction.

Beyond the headline allegation, Obazee’s report is said to detail broader concerns, including unauthorized currency issuance, controversial “ways and means” financing, disputed COVID-19 expenditures, and the alleged diversion of over N17 billion through multiple financial institutions.

As proceedings resume, attention remains fixed on the court’s next move. With delays piling up and key testimony still missing, the pressure is steadily building on the judiciary to determine whether the case can proceed—or whether it should be vacated altogether.