LAGOS — Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has dismissed an application seeking his recusal from the ongoing fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution’s seventh witness, John Adetola, testified that he delivered $400,000 to Emefiele at his office. The prosecution also attempted to introduce WhatsApp messages allegedly extracted from Omoile’s phone, sparking objections from the defence.
Led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olalekan Ojo, the defence argued that Justice Oshodi’s rulings suggested possible bias and urged him to step aside. Omoile’s lawyer, Gbadamosi Kazeem, supported the motion, but EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed it, insisting the trial had been fair.
On Wednesday, Justice Oshodi ruled that the allegations of bias were baseless and lacked supporting evidence.
“The claims of bias have not been substantiated by either of the defendants. Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused,” he declared.
The trial continues.
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