Court to Rule on Omoile's Statement in Emefiele Trial

The Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled a ruling for May 4, 2026, regarding the admissibility of a statement made by Henri Omoile, who is standing trial alongside former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele faces 19 counts of corruption, including allegations of gratification and abuse of office linked to transactions amounting to approximately 4.5 billion and 2.8 billion.

Omoile is charged with three counts related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts connected to deals involving the Central Bank. During the trial, Omoile's counsel, Adeyinka Kotoy, argued that the statement should be rejected on the grounds that it was not made voluntarily, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Concerns were raised about possible coercion and lack of proper legal representation during the statement's recording. Emefiele's counsel, Olalekan Ojo, urged the court to resolve any doubts in favor of the defense, while the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, contended that the statement was obtained in line with legal requirements.

The court has adjourned to continue the substantive trial from June 26 to June 30, 2026.