Judge rejects Emefiele trial withdrawal request
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has rejected a request for his recusal from the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The defence team, led by Olalekan Ojo, had submitted an oral application on Monday, urging the judge to step down due to alleged bias based on his prior rulings in the case.
During the proceedings on Monday, the seventh prosecution witness, John Adetola, testified that he received $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele in his office. The prosecution also sought to present WhatsApp messages, which were allegedly printed from the phone of Emefiele’s associate, Omoile. The defence objected, arguing that the document was only admitted for identification and should not be treated as evidence.
Despite the objection, Justice Oshodi allowed the witness to read from the document. He adjourned the case to Wednesday to decide on the recusal request.
Following the proceedings, Ojo reiterated his demand for the judge’s withdrawal, arguing that a judge could be biased, either consciously or unconsciously, and urging the court to recuse itself. Omoile’s lawyer, Gbadamosi Kazeem, supported this application.
On the other hand, Rotimi Oyedepo, the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the application, asserting that the proceedings had been fair and impartial.
Justice Oshodi later adjourned the matter to February 26, 2025, to rule on the recusal request.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi dismissed the allegations of bias, stating that the defence had not provided sufficient evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case. He emphasized that the claims lacked merit, ruling that both the first and second defendants’ application for recusal was refused.
Emefiele faces 19 charges related to abuse of office, receiving gratification, and corrupt demands, brought by the EFCC. The commission had initially filed 22 charges against Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, on January 8, 2025, the court dismissed four of the abuse of office charges, retaining jurisdiction over the remaining ones.
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