A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has dismissed an application by Godwin Emefiele, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, seeking to disqualify the presiding judge, R.A. Oshodi Justice), from his trial on allegations of corruption.
Oshodi, in a ruling delivered on February 26, 2025, held that the claims of bias raised by Emefiele’s legal team were unsubstantiated and lacked merit.
“There is no iota of evidence of bias. The allegations have not been substantiated, and accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused,” the judge ruled.
The case, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accuses Emefiele of receiving gratification and corrupt demands in a 19-count charge.
Read also: Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso unveil federation flag, strengthens regional integration
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces a three-count charge of unlawfully accepting gifts.
According to the statement, both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Following the ruling, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, informed the court of a pending motion on notice to appeal an earlier January 8, 2025 ruling, which upheld the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
Oshodi acknowledged the appeal as a constitutional right and granted the request.
Discussions over the next trial date saw the defence proposing a May hearing, a move opposed by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, who pushed for an immediate cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness.
“I plead with your lordship that the matter should not be adjourned till May. If it must be, then it should be a day-to-day hearing for an accelerated trial,” Oyedepo urged.
However, Oshodi adjourned the case to May 26, 27, and 30, 2025, for further proceedings.
English (US) ·