Matilda Omonaiye/
A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday admitted into evidence a crucial statement made by a co-defendant in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud case.
Trial judge, Rahman Oshodi, ruled that the extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was obtained voluntarily and is therefore admissible in court.
The ruling followed a “trial-within-trial” initiated after Omoile challenged the statement, claiming it was extracted under oppression and inducement. The court, however, dismissed the objection, holding that the prosecution had sufficiently demonstrated the voluntariness of the statement.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini trial. The environment was conducive, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” Justice Oshodi said.
The court specifically admitted statements dated February 26, 2024, marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, ruling that they were not obtained under duress, threat, or coercion.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 19-count charge involving alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie appeared for the EFCC, while Labi Lawal (SAN) represented both defendants.
Following the ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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