Emefiele Demands Judge’s Withdrawal In $4.5bn Fraud Trial

• Godwin Emefiele has demanded the withdrawal of Justice Rahman Oshodi from his ongoing trial over alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.

• Emefiele’s legal team accused the judge of bias and urged him to recuse himself from further proceedings.

• The court has adjourned until February 26, 2025, to rule on the request.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has demanded the withdrawal of Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja from his ongoing trial over alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.

Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), accused the judge of bias and urged him to recuse himself from further proceedings.

During Monday’s hearing, the seventh prosecution witness, Mr. John Adetola, testified that he collected $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele in his office.

The prosecution also sought to confirm WhatsApp messages said to have been printed from the phone of Omoile, Emefiele’s associate.

READ ALSO: 753 duplexes forfeited by court belongs to Emefiele – Sowore alleges

Emefiele’s lawyer, Ojo, strongly opposed the court’s decision, arguing that it indicated bias. “A judge can be either consciously or unconsciously biased.

At this stage, I urge the court to recuse itself,” Ojo said. EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as a delay tactic. Justice Oshodi subsequently fixed February 26, 2025, to rule on the recusal request and other pending applications.

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, Properties Linked to Emefiele

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Yellim Bogoro gave the judgement following a forfeiture request filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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