The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele on criminal accusations of economic sabotage, abuse of public office, and breach of trust was halted on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
The ongoing strike action of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC delayed the start of the trial.
When our journalist visited the court, all of the entrance gates were locked and guarded by NLC officials who were monitoring and enforcing the strike.
The Labour team turned back all lawyers and plaintiffs at the main entrance gate.
The court’s Registrar, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Justice Hamza Muazu would not sit today due to the impact of the workers’ strike.
Also, one of Emefiele’s lawyers, Maxwell Opara, told Platinum Times that the former CBN Governor had been instructed to stay at home since the courthouse was inaccessible.
Opara stated that a new date would be obtained after the NLC called off the strike.
“We have just told Emefiele to stay back at home since the court room could not be accessed by us and counsel to the Federal Government.
“This is not our making but the circumstances beyond our immediate control. As it is now, we will have to go back home and come for a fresh date once the striking workers terminate the strike action”, the lawyer said.
The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice had announced last week that Emefiele would be put on trial on November 15 despite the bail granted him by Justice Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi of the FCT High Court.
Counsel to the Federal Government and AGF, Oyin Koleoso, billed to conduct the trial, could not be reached as he was said to have been turned back at the Court gate by the striking workers.