Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has requested the withdrawal of Justice Rahman Oshodi from his ongoing trial at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja. The trial involves allegations of a $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.
Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the judge displayed bias and urged him to recuse himself from the case. This request was made during Monday’s hearing in Lagos.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the proceedings until February 26, 2025, to decide whether he will step down from the trial.
Emefiele is currently facing 19 charges related to abuse of office, receiving gratification, and corrupt practices, brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Initially, the EFCC had filed 22 charges against him and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, on January 8, 2025, the court dismissed four counts related to abuse of office but upheld jurisdiction over the remaining charges.
During Monday’s hearing, the seventh prosecution witness, Mr. John Adetola, testified that he collected $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele at his office. The prosecution also attempted to validate WhatsApp messages allegedly retrieved from Omoile’s phone.
However, the defence objected, arguing that the document had only been admitted for identification and should not be used as evidence. Despite this, Justice Oshodi permitted the witness to read from the document, prompting strong opposition from Emefiele’s lawyer.
Ojo asserted that the court’s decision demonstrated bias, stating, “A judge can be either consciously or unconsciously biased… At this stage, I urge the court to recuse itself.”
Omoile’s lawyer, Gbadamosi Kazeem (SAN), supported this argument, while EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), dismissed the request as a delay tactic. He maintained that the trial had been conducted fairly, adding, “This proceeding has been conducted fairly and equitably. My Lordship has ruled against us many times. If the defence is dissatisfied, they know the appropriate legal channels to challenge the rulings.”
Oyedepo further argued that such a request should be submitted formally rather than orally, stating, “The application is intended to delay the matter, that is the only reasonable conclusion.”
Before the adjournment, Emefiele’s lawyer also sought permission to appeal the court’s earlier ruling on jurisdiction. Justice Oshodi subsequently scheduled February 26, 2025, to rule on the recusal request and other pending applications.
