Court Defers Ruling In Emefiele’s $4.5bn Fraud Ruling
A Lagos Special Offences Court has postponed its decision on whether statements allegedly made by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, can be used as evidence in his alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed July 9, 2026, for the ruling after hearing arguments from both sides.
Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, denied all allegations.
His lawyer argued that the statements were obtained through oppression and torture during his detention by the Department of State Services, making them inadmissible under the law.
The prosecution rejected the claims, insisting the statements were taken in the presence of Emefiele’s lawyer and were not confessions.
It withdrew one statement dated October 26, 2023, but asked the court to admit four others recorded on different dates in October and November 2023.
The court also granted Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, permission to challenge an earlier ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to July 9 for the ruling and fixed October 6 to 8 and November 11 to 13, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
