The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has admitted into evidence the extrajudicial statement of a co-defendant in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud.
Presiding over the matter on Monday, Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the statement made by Henry Omoile to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was admissible, having been obtained voluntarily.
Omoile, who is standing trial alongside Emefiele, had earlier contested the admissibility of his statements, alleging they were extracted under duress, including oppression and inducement.
This objection prompted the court to conduct a “trial-within-trial” to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had sufficiently demonstrated that the statements, obtained on February 26, 2024, were not influenced by coercion, threats, or inducement.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini-trial. The environment was active, 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,” the judge stated.
The court subsequently admitted the statements, marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, as evidence in the trial.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 19-count charge related to alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the hearing, the prosecution was led by C.C. Okezie, while Labi Lawal (SAN) represented both defendants.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned proceedings to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
