JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offenses Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, May 4, 2026, ruled that the extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile, co-accused of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, is admissible in court.
Omoile had challenged the admissibility of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming they were obtained under oppression and inducement.
This led to a “trial within a trial” to determine whether the declaration was voluntary.
Omoile is currently facing a three-count charge bordering on illegal acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is on trial on a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged gratification and bribery solicitations during his tenure as CBN governor.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At today’s hearing, CC Okezie appeared on behalf of the prosecution while Labi Lawal, SAN, appeared for both the first and second defendants
In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi found that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated that the statements obtained on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily and not under any form of incitement, threat or coercion.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented at the mini-trial. The environment was active and there is no evidence that the second defendant suffered physical harm. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge said.
The court further ruled that the statements made on February 26, 2024, marked Exhibits 1-3, were not obtained under duress and were therefore admissible as evidence.
However, the statements dated February 27, 2024 were rejected for the sole reason that they were not made in the presence of a lawyer or under video recording.
Following the ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
