Emefiele's Defense Seeks Exclusion of Coerced Statement

In the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, the defense has requested the exclusion of a statement made by Henri Omoile, claiming it was obtained under coercion and violated procedural safeguards. The presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, has set May 4, 2026, to rule on the admissibility of this statement.

The prosecution alleges that Emefiele is involved in a 19-count charge related to corrupt practices and abuse of office, linked to financial transactions amounting to approximately N4.5 billion (about N2.8 billion). The defense argues that the statement was not made voluntarily, citing violations of the Administrative Criminal Justice Law and the need for independent corroboration.

Counsel Olalekan Ojo emphasized that the prosecution failed to prove the statement was freely made, while Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the prosecution, contended that the defense lacks legal standing to challenge the statement's admissibility.