“Lagos Court Rejects Request for Judge’s Recusal in Emefiele Trial”

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has rejected a request for his recusal from the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi dismissed the defense’s claims of bias, stating that the allegations lacked sufficient evidence to warrant his withdrawal from the case.

The defense, led by lawyer Olalekan Ojo, had applied for Justice Oshodi’s recusal on Monday, arguing that the judge’s previous rulings indicated a potential bias in the trial. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the request, asserting that the trial had been conducted impartially and in accordance with the law.

After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Oshodi ruled that the application for recusal was without merit and, as such, dismissed it. The judge’s decision ensures that the trial of the former CBN Governor will continue under his presiding authority. The case has drawn significant attention due to Emefiele’s prominent role in Nigerian financial and political circles.