Court Admits Omoile’s Statement in Emefiele Trial
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has ruled that the extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is admissible in evidence.
The ruling followed a “trial-within-trial” initiated after Omoile challenged the admissibility of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging that they were obtained under oppression and inducement.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is being prosecuted on a 19-count charge related to alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie argued for the admissibility of the statements, while Labi Lawal, SAN, represented both defendants.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had established that the statements, obtained on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily and 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. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge said.
The court admitted the statements, marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, ruling that they were not obtained under duress and are therefore admissible as evidence.
Following the decision, the court adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Court Admits Omoile’s Statement in Emefiele Trial