The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was presented with a significant challenge today in the ongoing trial-within-trial of former Accountant-General of the Federation Ahmed Idris. A key witness, Hajiya Safiya Idris, testified before Judge Yusuf Halilu in the FCT High Court in Abuja that she signed a statement written by Mr Idris while in custody of the EFCC in 2022 because she was assured he would be released. This testimony has significant implications for the trial-within-trial, which aims to determine whether statements made by Mr Idris to the EFCC were obtained voluntarily.

Hajiya Safiya Idris' relationship with Mr Idris predated his detention by EFCC officials. According to testimony, they had a long-standing relationship, with Idris referring to her as "like a father." On June 6, 2022, she visited the EFCC headquarters to see Mr Idris, who was being held in custody regarding N109.5 billion in alleged fraudulent activities. When she arrived, she was told that Mr Idris was not in the detention facility, but eventually, she was allowed into the office where he was being held. Two EFCC officers, identified as Hayatu and Mahmud, asked her to sign as a witness to a statement authored by Mr Idris.

The statement, dated June 6, 2022, was written by Mr Idris, and Hajiya Safiya's signature appears on it. When questioned about the statement, she confirmed that the signature and handwriting were hers. She alleged that the statement was completed before she was allowed into the office and was only signed after it had been concluded. Hajiya Safiya Idris testified that Mr Idris did not inform her that she was at the EFCC before she entered the office and that he became aware of her presence only when she was invited in to sign the document.

Mr Idris is facing 14 counts of stealing and fraudulent diversion of N109.5 billion in public funds alongside others. The trial-within-trial aimed to determine whether statements made by Mr Idris to the EFCC were obtained voluntarily. With Hajiya Safiya Idris' testimony, the defence has presented its final witness, and the court has adjourned until October 13 for adoption of final written addresses.

Ahmed Idris was appointed Accountant-General of the Federation in June 2015 and served in that capacity until his suspension in May 2022. His detention by EFCC officials marked the beginning of a trial that has been on pause since November 2022 due to the ongoing trial-within-trial. As Mr Idris faces allegations of fraudulent activities, the court's decision on whether statements made to the EFCC were obtained voluntarily will have significant implications for his trial.

The N109.5 billion fraud allegations against Mr Idris are among the largest in Nigerian history. If convicted, he faces a significant prison sentence. The trial-within-trial has lasted for months, with the defence presenting its case that statements made by Mr Idris to the EFCC were obtained through deception and inducement.

Hajiya Safiya Idris' testimony is a significant development in the trial. The court's decision will affect the overall outcome of Mr Idris' trial.