Emefiele Trial: Buhari Ordered Local Printing of Naira

Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele—and they are raising new questions about Nigeria’s controversial naira redesign.

A prosecution witness told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the redesigned naira notes were printed locally following a direct order from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The witness, Chinedu Eneanya, made the disclosure while testifying in the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Emefiele.

According to him, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company handled the production of the redesigned currency, in line with the president’s directive.

However, the testimony took a dramatic turn.

Eneanya told the court that investigations revealed discrepancies between what President Buhari approved and what was eventually produced.

This revelation could become a key issue in the trial.

He further stated that Emefiele allegedly violated provisions of the CBN Act by failing to properly follow due process before executing the redesign policy.

Under the law, the Central Bank board is required to recommend any currency redesign to the president before implementation.

The witness confirmed that while a memo was sent to the president with sample designs, the final output did not fully align with the approved versions.

The court also heard that the original design of the naira notes was handled by De La Rue, not the Nigerian mint.

During cross-examination, it was revealed that no public petition was directly assigned to the investigating officer, with the probe focused strictly on the materials provided.

After concluding his testimony, the witness was discharged.

Justice Maryann Anenih has now adjourned the case until May 11 for continuation.

With contradictions emerging in court, the trial is shaping up to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s financial and political history.