In a decisive ruling on Monday, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, admitted into evidence the extrajudicial statement of Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, dealing a heavy blow to the defence in the ongoing high-profile corruption trial.
The court rejected Omoile’s claim that the statement was extracted under duress, inducement, and oppressive conditions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Omoile had urged the court to reject the statement, prompting a “trial-within-trial” – a legal procedure to determine whether a statement was made voluntarily. After hearing arguments, Justice Oshodi dismissed the coercion claims, holding that the prosecution had established that the statement was given freely.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini trial. The environment was active, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently admitted the statements dated February 26, 2024, marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, as evidence. Prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie had argued in favour of admissibility, while defence counsel Labi Lawal, SAN (representing both defendants), maintained that the statements were compromised.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 19-count charge involving alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the alleged $4.5 billion fraud.
With the ruling, the prosecution is expected to rely heavily on the admitted statements as proceedings resume.
The court adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.