BREAKING: Court Fixes Final Dates To End Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Trial

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has scheduled several hearing dates to conclude the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations connected to the controversial naira redesign policy.

The decision was taken on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, by the presiding judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, after counsel representing both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Emefiele agreed on a new timetable to accelerate proceedings.

In total, the court approved ten hearing dates.

The trial will resume on February 3 and 10, April 1 and 2, May 11, 12, 13 and 14, as well as June 9 and 10.

Justice Anenih noted that the case, which began in 2024, is expected to be concluded within this period. She urged both parties to strictly adhere to the court’s schedule, assuring them that adequate arrangements would be made to ensure smooth proceedings.

At the resumed hearing, an EFCC witness, Emere Chinedu, testified that the naira redesign programme received approval from the Presidency under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chinedu, an EFCC operative, said the approval was officially communicated to the commission in writing after it made enquiries.

He added that the approval came with a directive that the printing of the redesigned currency must be done within Nigeria, contradicting claims that the notes were printed abroad during Emefiele’s tenure.

The witness also disclosed that Emefiele made six extra-judicial statements before an inter-agency investigative panel, recorded on October 26, 27, 30, and 31, as well as November 1 and 2, 2023.

During cross-examination, Chinedu declined to respond to suggestions that a former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, introduced the naira redesign idea to President Buhari.

He explained that the EFCC has no authority to initiate changes to the country’s currency design, stating that its role could only be advisory.

The witness further confirmed that video evidence showing the hardship Nigerians experienced during the naira redesign period existed before the probe panel was established.

He said the clips were obtained from the internet and submitted to highlight citizens’ difficulties, adding that journalists or media personnel involved in producing the videos were not interviewed.

Emefiele is standing trial under charge number FCT/HC/CR/264/2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

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