By Peter Omopo
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has ruled that certain extrajudicial statements made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, are admissible in evidence.
The ruling followed a “trial-within-trial” initiated after Omoile challenged the statements he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging they were obtained under oppression and inducement.
Delivering his decision on Monday, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution had established that the statements obtained on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily, without coercion, threat, or inducement. He noted that there was no evidence of physical harm or undue pressure on the defendant during the process.
The court admitted the statements marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, ruling that they were valid and could be relied upon during trial. However, statements dated February 27, 2024, were rejected on the grounds that they were not made in the presence of legal counsel or recorded on video.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge related to the alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is being tried on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as head of the apex bank. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned proceedings to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.
