Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, May 4, 2026, ruled that the extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is admissible in evidence.
Omoile had objected to the admissibility of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging they were procured through oppression and inducement. This prompted a trial-within-trial to test the voluntariness of the statements.
Omoile faces a three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
At the hearing, C.C. Okezie appeared for the prosecution, while Labi Lawal, SAN, represented both defendants.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the statements obtained on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily. He noted there was no evidence of inducement, threat, or coercion, nor any indication that Omoile suffered physical harm.
Consequently, the court admitted the statements, marked Exhibits 1–3, as evidence. The matter was adjourned to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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