Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Monday, May 4, 2026, admitted extra-judicial statements made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The court ruled that the statements made on February 26, 2024, marked as Exhibits 1–3, were not obtained under duress and were therefore admissible as evidence.
However, the court declined to admit the statement dated February 27, 2024, on the grounds that it was not made in the presence of a legal practitioner, nor was it recorded on video.
The judge’s decision followed a trial-within-trial, during which Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had successfully proven that the statements obtained on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily and not under any form of inducement, threat, or coercion.
“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini trial. The environment was conducive, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge said.
Omoile had challenged the admissibility of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that they were obtained under oppression and inducement.
It would be recalled that the second defendant, Omoile, in the ongoing trial, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Kotoye, SAN, challenged the admissibility of the statements tendered by the EFCC on the grounds that they were not voluntarily obtained.
The trial-within-trial commenced in December 2025 to determine the voluntariness or otherwise of the statements.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the agency, bordering on alleged gratification and corrupt demands while he was the apex bank governor.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges at their arraignment.
During the proceedings, C.C. Okezie appeared for the prosecution, while Labi Lawal, SAN, announced appearance for both the first and second defendants.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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