The Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, yesterday, fixed February 26, 2025, to decide whether to continue presiding over the trial of embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The decision follows an oral application by Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), requesting Justice Oshodi to recuse himself from the case, numbered ID/23787C/24.
During Monday’s proceedings, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had continued leading evidence-in-chief from the seventh prosecution witness, Mr John Adetola.
The witness testified that he collected $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele in his office.
However, when asked by Oyedepo to confirm a WhatsApp message printed from his phone by Mr Henry Omoile, the defence team objected, arguing that the document had only been marked for identification and was not an exhibit before the court.
Justice Oshodi overruled the objection and allowed the witness to read from the document.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Ojo (SAN) argued that the judge’s decision was unfair and called for his recusal, stating that bias, whether conscious or unconscious, could affect the trial.
In response, Oyedepo opposed the application, asserting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly.
“My Lordship has ruled against us many times. If they believe there is bias, they know the proper channel to challenge it,” he stated.
He further argued that no facts had been presented to substantiate claims of bias and criticized the oral nature of the application, stating, “This application is intended to delay the matter; that is the only reasonable conclusion.”
Emefiele is answering questions to a 19-count charge of receiving gratification and corrupt demands, brought by the EFCC.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is charged with three counts related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
