Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, ruled that some extrajudicial statements made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, are admissible in court.
Mr Omoile had challenged the admissibility of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that it was obtained under oppression and inducement.
This led to a “Trial-within-Trial” to determine the voluntariness or otherwise of the statement.
The second defendant is currently facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Mr Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At today’s hearing, Chinenye Okezie appeared for the prosecution while Labi Lawal, SAN, represented both defendants.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had successfully proven that the statements obtained on the 26th of February, 2024 were made voluntarily and not under any form of inducement, threat, or coercion.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini trial. The environment was active, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge stated.
The court further ruled that the statements made on February 26, 2024, marked as Exhibits 1–3, were not obtained under duress and were therefore admissible as evidence.
But, the statements dated Feb.27 2024, were rejected, on the ground of not being made in the presence of a legal practitioner or under video recordiFollowing the ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
