- Safiu Kehinde
The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has on Friday adjourned a forensic inspection of the phone belonging to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in his ongoing trial over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud to January 5 and 8, 2026.
Inspection of Emefiele’s phone reportedly followed the prosecution counsel’s insistence at the previous sitting that the examination of the digital exhibit must be carried out without any internet connection.
As disclosed in a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, ordered that the inspection of the phone, labelled Exhibit I, must be conducted in the presence of both the prosecution and defence teams, as well as a certified forensic expert.
The process is to be supervised by the court registrar.
He further directed that the exhibit remains in the custody of the court throughout the trial, adding that the inspection will be conducted using screen-mirroring technology.
Recall that Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The charge bordered on alleged receival of gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing three- count charges related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.