An investigator from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) testified in court that the controversial Naira redesign policy initiated by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, inflicted “severe economic hardship” on the public.

The witness, Chinelo Eneanya, appeared as the seventh prosecution witness (PW7) in the ongoing trial of Emefiele at an Abuja High Court. He is facing charges related to the 2022 redesign of the ₦1,000, ₦500, and ₦200 currency notes.

Led by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Eneanya stated that the EFCC’s investigation confirmed the policy’s damaging effects. “The redesign had a direct bearing on citizens’ ability to meet daily needs and sustain their businesses,” she told the court.

The prosecution presented a suite of evidence, including documentary records, certified delivery notes, and audiovisual materials. The court also played six video clips from major news outlets like Channels Television and Arise News, which depicted scenes of public frustration and distress during the policy’s implementation.

A key revelation from the testimony was that due process may have been bypassed. Eneanya informed the court that EFCC investigators interviewed CBN board members and deputy governors who claimed they were only informed of the presidential approval after it had been secured.

“He was confronted with whether the CBN Board or Committee of Governors approved the redesign,” Eneanya stated, referring to Emefiele’s interview with the EFCC. “And he wrote in his statement that they did not.”

The defence counsel, Olulekun Ojo (SAN), did not object to the tendering of the main exhibits but challenged the witness when she attempted to reference the Supreme Court’s judgment on the policy. Justice Maryann Anenih overruled the objection, allowing the witness to testify only on evidence directly linked to the case.

Following the testimony, the defence requested an adjournment to prepare for cross-examination. Justice Anenih adjourned the case until November 26, 2025, for the trial to continue.