Court Sets Dates To Conclude Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Case

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has fixed multiple hearing dates to wrap up the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations linked to the naira redesign policy.

Naijaonpoint reports that the court, presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih, made the decision on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, after lawyers representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the former apex bank boss agreed on a fresh timetable.

Ten hearing dates were approved by the court.

The trial is scheduled to continue on February 3 and 10, April 1 and 2, May 11, 12, 13 and 14, as well as June 9 and 10.

The judge stated that the case, which began in 2024, is expected to be concluded within this period.

Justice Anenih advised both legal teams to strictly follow the court schedule, assuring them that proper arrangements would be made to ensure smooth proceedings throughout the trial.

During the resumed hearing, an EFCC witness, Emere Chinedu, told the court that the naira redesign was approved by the Presidency under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chinedu, an operative of the commission, said the approval was formally communicated to the EFCC in writing after the agency made enquiries.

He explained that the approval came with a condition that the printing of the redesigned notes must be carried out within Nigeria.

This, he said, went against claims that the currency was printed outside the country during Emefiele’s tenure.

Chinedu also revealed that Emefiele made six extra-judicial statements while appearing before an inter-agency probe panel.

According to him, the statements were recorded on October 26, 27, 30 and 31, as well as November 1 and 2, 2023.

While being questioned by the defence, NAIJAONPOINT declined to address claims that a former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, suggested the naira redesign idea to President Buhari.

He stated that the commission has no power to initiate changes to the nation’s currency design, noting that any involvement could only be in an advisory capacity.

The EFCC witness further confirmed that video clips showing the hardship experienced by Nigerians during the naira redesign period existed before the probe panel was formed.

He explained that the videos were sourced from the internet and submitted to show the difficulties faced by citizens, adding that journalists or television staff involved in producing the clips were not interviewed.

Emefiele is being tried under charge number FCT/HC/CR/264/2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations brought against him.

The court later adjourned the case to February 3 for the continuation of cross-examination of the EFCC witness.