- Emefiele fraud trial stalled as forensic review of iPhone WhatsApp chats hits major setback.
- EFCC accused by defence of obstructing joint forensic analysis ordered by the court.
- Prosecution insists defence expert lacks credibility and could compromise integrity of evidence.
- Defence pushes for court to halt further testimonies until proper forensic review is completed.
The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over the alleged $4.5 billion fraud has reached a deadlock after a sharp disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and defence lawyers stalled the forensic review of WhatsApp chats extracted from his mobile device.
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At the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Special Offences Court, counsel for the first defendant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that its earlier order for a joint forensic analysis of “iPhone 2” could not be carried out because the EFCC deliberately blocked access. He explained that despite both parties and the court registrar being present on the agreed dates, September 24 and 25, 2025, the EFCC team refused to produce the device for full examination, contrary to the court’s directive.
Ojo stressed that the WhatsApp chats on the iPhone were vital to Emefiele’s defence, accusing the EFCC of frustrating the process. He urged the court to issue a fresh order granting “unfettered access” to ensure a fair review.
In response, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), strongly denied the allegations. He argued that the defence’s earlier forensic analysis was unreliable, pointing out that the expert had no physical laboratory, no verifiable office address, and reportedly conducted part of the analysis online. Oyedepo warned that granting further access could compromise the integrity of the exhibit, insisting that the phone was deliberately kept on flight mode to prevent tampering or auto-syncing.
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Counsel for the second defendant, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), backed Ojo’s position, telling the court that the WhatsApp chats form the core of the defence. He, alongside Ojo, requested that further testimonies be suspended until the forensic review is concluded. The matter was adjourned for the court to decide how to resove the dispute.
