…alleges bias
Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Monday, asked Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja to withdraw from his ongoing trial for alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.
Emefiele accused Justice Oshodi of bias, asking him to recuse himself from proceeding further in presiding over proceedings concerning his trial.
The ex-CBN governor’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), made this request on behalf of his client during Monday’s hearing at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter till February 26, 2025, to rule on Emefiele’s application requesting him to withdraw from continuing to try the case.
The ex-CBN governor is facing 19 counts bordering on abuse of office, receiving gratification, and corrupt demands, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
EFCC had initially filed 22 counts against Emefiele and a co-defendant, Henry Omoile.
But on January 8, 2025, the court struck out four counts relating to abuse of office, assuming jurisdiction over the remaining charges.
On Monday, the seventh prosecution witness, Mr. John Adetola, testified that he collected $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele in his office.
The prosecution also sought to confirm WhatsApp messages said to have been printed from the phone of Omoile, Emefiele’s associate.
But the defence objected, arguing that the document had only been admitted for identification and should not be used as evidence.
Inspite of the objection, Justice Oshodi allowed the witness to read from the document.
This was vehemently opposed by Emefiele’s lawyer, Ojo, arguing that the court’s decision indicated bias.
Ojo then demanded Justice Oshodi’s withdrawal from further trying his client.
“A judge can be either consciously or unconsciously biased… At this stage, I urge the court to recuse itself,” he said.
Omoile’s lawyer, Gbadamosi Kazeem (SAN), aligned with Ojo’s submission.
But EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, saying it’s a delay tactic.
He argued that the proceedings had been conducted fairly, and the defence had not provided evidence of bias.
“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 said.
The anti-graft Agency’s lawyer further contended that such a request should be made formally rather than orally.
“The application is intended to delay the matter, that is the only reasonable conclusion,” Oyedepo added.
Before the adjournment, Emefiele’s lawyer also sought leave to appeal the court’s earlier ruling on jurisdiction.
Justice Oshodi then fixed February 26, 2025, for his ruling on Emefiele’s demand for his continued trial and other applications pending before him on the ex-CBN governor’s matter.
