The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, February 26, to rule on an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking the withdrawal of the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, from his trial over alleged corruption charges.
Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge related to receiving gratification and corrupt demands filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the request through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), citing concerns over potential bias.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, who is facing a separate three-count charge for alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts, also backed the request for the judge’s recusal.
During Monday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), concluded the examination of a key witness, Adetola John, a former personal assistant to Emefiele. The witness reaffirmed his earlier testimony from November 2024, stating that he collected $400,000 in cash from the former director of the CBN’s ICT department, John Ayoh, and delivered it to Emefiele in his office.
A dispute arose when Oyedepo presented a WhatsApp message obtained from Adetola’s phone by EFCC investigators. The defence team objected, arguing that the document had not been formally admitted as evidence. However, Justice Oshodi overruled the objection, citing Section 224 of the Evidence Act, which permits leading questions on introductory or undisputed matters.
Following the ruling, Emefiele’s counsel insisted that the judge’s decision had prematurely validated the prosecution’s claims, making it difficult for the defence to conduct a fair cross-examination. They, therefore, urged the judge to recuse himself from the case.
Opposing the request, Oyedepo dismissed it as a delay tactic, noting that the court had previously ruled against the prosecution on several occasions. He urged the judge to reject the application and proceed with the trial.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to Wednesday, February 26, for a ruling on the recusal request.
