The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has admitted into evidence the extrajudicial statement of a co-defendant in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the ruling on Monday, May 4, 2026, holding that the statement made by Henry Omoile to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was voluntary and admissible in court.
Omoile had challenged the admissibility of his statements, claiming they were obtained under oppression and inducement by the EFCC.
His objection prompted the court to conduct a “trial-within-trial” to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
However, Justice Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had sufficiently demonstrated that the statements, obtained on February 26, 2024, were made without 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,” the judge said.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily.”
The court subsequently admitted the statements, marked as Exhibits 1–3, ruling that they were not obtained under duress and could be relied upon in the substantive trial.
At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie appeared for the state, while Labi Lawal, SAN, represented both defendants.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, relating to alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned proceedings to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.