Crime
Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Did Not Match Presidential Approval, Says Witness
The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele continued in the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday, November 14, 2024, with explosive testimony from Kingsley Obiora, the former Deputy Governor in charge of Policy at the CBN.
Obiora, who served under Emefiele, told the court that the new naira notes issued during Emefiele’s tenure did not match the version approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
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Appearing virtually before Justice Maryann Anenih, Obiora explained that he noticed a discrepancy between the President’s original approval and the currency that was eventually produced and circulated.
His testimony followed a presentation of evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, which highlighted the differences between the two versions.
Obiora, who worked at the CBN for over seven years, further described his role within the CBN’s Committee of Governors (COG), a key decision-making body led by Emefiele.
According to Obiora, the committee, which included the governor, deputy governors, and the director of corporate services, met weekly to discuss critical bank policies.
During his testimony, Obiora recounted the events leading up to the controversial currency redesign.
He explained that on October 25, 2022, Emefiele informed the deputy governors of the plan during an event in Lagos marking the anniversary of the e-naira.
Obiora voiced concerns about announcing such a major policy at the event but was overruled when the redesign proposal was formally presented the following day in a COG meeting.
Emefiele reportedly told the committee that the President had already approved the redesign.
The policy was subsequently discussed and approved by the COG, and a public announcement was made by Emefiele and other senior CBN officials.
However, Obiora noted that the CBN Board was only formally informed about the redesign in December 2022, months after the policy had been set in motion.
He clarified that the board’s involvement was limited to endorsing the decisions made by the COG.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Olalekan Ojo SAN, Obiora confirmed that the December 2022 Board meeting aligned with the notes eventually released into circulation, but reiterated that the board did not play a role in initiating the redesign.
He also stated that there had been no complaints from President Buhari about the policy.
Reflecting on his past involvement with currency redesigns, Obiora noted his participation in the 2014 N100 note redesign but emphasized that he had not been directly involved in that process.
After hearing his testimony, Justice Anenih adjourned the case until December 4, 2024, with further hearings scheduled for January 21, 2025.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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