An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, to May 4, 2026, following intense legal arguments over the admissibility of a co-defendant’s statement.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses in a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statement was voluntarily made.
The disputed statement, attributed to co-defendant Henry Omoile, has become a central issue in the proceedings.
During the hearing, defence lawyers questioned the credibility of the statement, arguing that its voluntariness was doubtful and that proper procedures may not have been followed. They urged the court to reject the document, maintaining that any uncertainty should favour the accused.
In response, the prosecution insisted that the statement was lawfully obtained, arguing that it was made in the presence of legal counsel and without coercion. The prosecution also noted that the content of the statement did not directly implicate Emefiele.
Emefiele is facing multiple charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, gratification, and corrupt practices linked to financial transactions.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the admissibility of the statement on May 4, after which the substantive trial will continue.