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Lagos’s Special Violation Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday, postponed the decision on the application filed by the former Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, sought a forensic analysis of WhatsApp evidence in his trial due to alleged $ 4.5 billion fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) charged Emefiele on the accusation of 19-calculations to accept corrupt satisfaction and demands.
Defendant Emefiele’s colleague, Henry Omoile, was charged with the accusation of three counts of receiving prizes that violated the law by the agent.
This duo was charged with fraud with a total of $ 4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
At the hearing that was continued on Tuesday, Emefiele, through his advisor, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) asked the court to allow the forensic analysis of the cellphone used in extracting WhatsApp messages that had been tendered as evidence.
Ojo said: “The defender sought a court leave to call a forensic expert to examine the mobile device and printed conversation allegedly related to the defendant.”
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Advisor EFCC, Ms. Chigozie Okezie, opposing the application.
Okezie argues that based on the rules of evidence and practice, so such evidence has been recognized as an exhibition, the court is a guard and maintains it until the end of the trial.
He said: “What’s more, the defendants should present the forensic laboratory option, stating their competencies to be elected by the court.
“We pray the court to nominate the Director of the Forensic Department in the Commission to choose a laboratory for the exercise.
“We also urge the court to direct the examination to be carried out in front of someone with extensive experience and knowledge, to be nominated by prosecution.
“There must be room for the right prison chain to ensure the device is not damaged and returned to court after the end of the exercise.”
After listening to the submission of both parties, judge Rahman Oshodi postponed this case until September 15 for the decision.
