Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, emphasized that the defendant is entitled to an independent forensic review, provided safeguards are in place to ensure the evidence’s integrity.

The court ordered that the inspection be conducted in the presence of representatives from all parties, with each side limited to one lawyer and one forensic expert. 

The process, to be supervised by a court representative, is scheduled for September 24 and 26, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Justice Oshodi further directed that the chain of custody for Exhibit E (iPhone 2) must be preserved, with the exhibit remaining in the court’s custody at all times.

Emefiele, alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile, faces a 19-count charge, including allegations of abuse of office, receiving gratification, accepting gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property transactions involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. 

During proceedings on June 24, 2025, Emefiele’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, challenged the authenticity of digital messages presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

Ojo argued that a forensic analysis was essential to verify the credibility of the evidence, stating, “We are requesting permission to conduct a forensic analysis of the mobile device and the messages extracted therefrom to verify their authenticity and integrity. 

It is a critical element of our defence.”The EFCC’s counsel, Chinenye Okezie, opposed the application, arguing that Emefiele failed to meet procedural requirements and did not provide details about the forensic process, such as the laboratory or personnel qualifications. 

Okezie also noted that exhibits admitted into evidence remain in court custody until the trial’s conclusion and urged the court to direct the EFCC’s Forensic Department to nominate a certified laboratory if the application was granted.

The court adjourned the matter to October 7 and 8, 2025, for the continuation of the trial, and October 9, 2025, for the testimony of the alleged victim. 

Earlier, on May 27, 2025, EFCC official Alvan Gurumnaan, the 8th prosecution witness, testified that Emefiele allegedly received $17.1 million in cash through a proxy over three years, with related documents tendered as evidence. 

Emefiele’s legal team expressed readiness to subject all documents and exhibits to forensic scrutiny.