Emefiele Trial: Defense Challenges Omoile's Statements

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

The defense argues that the statements were not made voluntarily and breach statutory provisions, specifically citing sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Olalekan Ojo, representing Emefiele, contends that the prosecution has failed to prove the voluntariness of the statements, raising serious doubts about their reliability.

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, counters that the defense lacks legal standing to challenge the admissibility and that the statements were taken in compliance with legal requirements. The trial involves 19 counts against Emefiele, including allegations of corruption and abuse of office related to financial transactions involving approximately N4.5 billion.