Alleged $4.5bn Fraud: Court Admits One, Rejects Other of Co-Defendant’s Statements in Emefiele Trial
by - TheCaveat.info on - May 04, 2026
By SAM POPOOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday admitted one of two extrajudicial statements made by Henry Omoile, the second defendant, reject other, in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, held that the prosecution successfully established that the statement dated February 26, 2024, was made voluntarily, without inducement, threat, or coercion.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini-trial. The environment was active, and there is no indication that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge ruled.
However, the court rejected the second statement dated February 27, 2024, citing non-compliance with requirements laid down by the Supreme Court. The judge noted the absence of video recording and lack of endorsement by the defendant’s lawyer at the time the statement was made.
Omoile had earlier challenged the admissibility of both statements he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging they were obtained under duress. This prompted the court to conduct a mini-trial (trial-within-trial) to determine their voluntariness.
The court subsequently admitted the February 26 statement, marked as Exhibits 1–3, as evidence, having found that it was not obtained under duress.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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