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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has refused to step down from the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
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The defence team, led by Olalekan Ojo, had requested the judge’s recusal, citing concerns of bias in his previous rulings.
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However, Justice Oshodi dismissed the application, stating that the allegations of bias were unsubstantiated and that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has dismissed a request for his recusal from the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the allegations of bias raised by the defence were unsubstantiated, stating that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.
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The defence team, led by Olalekan Ojo, had orally applied for the judge’s recusal on Monday, arguing that his previous rulings suggested a likelihood of bias.
However, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, opposed the application, insisting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly and equitably.
After reviewing the arguments and legal authorities cited, Justice Oshodi ruled that the application lacked merit and subsequently dismissed it.
Emefiele Demands Judge’s Withdrawal In $4.5bn Fraud Trial
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.