Court admits newspaper reports as evidence in Emefiele’s naira redesign trial

Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday admitted several newspaper publications tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over the alleged unlawful redesign of the naira.

The documents were presented through the eighth prosecution witness, Jegede Oluwasegun, an official of the National Library of Nigeria.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness submitted certified copies of reports published in The Punch, ThisDay, Vanguard, Daily Sun and The Nation newspapers, alongside payment receipts used in purchasing the publications.

Oyedepo told the court that the documents were produced in response to a motion filed by the defence on March 31, 2026, requesting all newspaper publications and press materials relating to the alleged unlawful naira redesign.

The exhibits were admitted without objection from defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN).

During cross-examination, Oluwasegun explained that his responsibilities at the National Library include attending to readers’ information needs and certifying newspaper documents.

He clarified that he was neither the author of the publications nor in a position to speak on the content of the reports, stressing that his role was limited to certification of the newspapers.

Emefiele is facing a four-count charge filed by the EFCC over the alleged unlawful printing and redesign of naira notes while serving as CBN governor.