Judge Rejects Request for Recusal in Emefiele’s Fraud Trial
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has dismissed a request for his recusal from the ongoing fraud trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele is facing charges of fraud alongside Henry Omoile, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leading the prosecution.
During the proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, the seventh prosecution witness, Mr. John Adetola, testified that he had received $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele’s office. The prosecution also sought to verify WhatsApp messages allegedly printed from Omoile’s phone. However, the defense objected, arguing that the document had only been admitted for identification and should not be considered as evidence.
Despite the objection, Justice Oshodi allowed the witness to read from the document. This decision prompted the defense, led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, to file an application requesting the judge’s recusal. Ojo argued that the judge’s previous rulings indicated a potential bias, which could undermine the fairness of the trial. Omoile’s lawyer, Gbadamosi Kazeem, supported this argument, urging the judge to step down.
In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the recusal application, insisting that the trial had been conducted fairly and equitably so far.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to make a ruling on the request. Upon reviewing the arguments, the judge concluded that the claims of bias were unsubstantiated and lacked sufficient evidence. He ruled that the application for recusal had no merit and dismissed it.
“The claims of bias have not been substantiated by either of the defendants. Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused,” Justice Oshodi declared, allowing the trial to proceed.
