Former Governor of the Central Deposit of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has demanded the withdrawal of Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Condition Particular Offences Courtroom in Ikeja from his ongoing trial over alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.
Emefiele’s prison staff, led by means of Olalekan Ojo (SAN), accused the pass judgement on of partial and suggested him to recuse himself from additional complaints.
The request was once made right through Monday’s listening to on the Particular Offences Courtroom in Ikeja, Lagos.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the subject until February 26, 2025, to rule on whether or not he’ll get out of the case.
Emefiele is going through 19 counts bordering on abuse of place of work, receiving gratification, and corrupt calls for, introduced in opposition to him by means of the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee.
To begin with, the EFCC filed 22 counts in opposition to Emefiele and a co-defendant, Henry Omoile.
On the other hand, on January 8, 2025, the courtroom struck out 4 counts on the subject of abuse of place of work, assuming jurisdiction over the excess fees.
Throughout Monday’s complaints, the 7th prosecution eyewitness, Mr. John Adetola, testified that he accumulated $400,000 from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele in his place of work.
The prosecution additionally sought to substantiate WhatsApp messages stated to were published from the telephone of Omoile, Emefiele’s workman.
On the other hand, the defence objected, arguing that the record had best been admitted for id and must now not be impaired as proof.
In spite of the objection, Justice Oshodi allowed the eyewitness to learn from the record.
Emefiele’s attorney, Ojo, strongly adversarial the courtroom’s determination, arguing that it indicated partial.
He demanded the pass judgement on’s withdrawal, declaring, “A judge can be either consciously or unconsciously biased… At this stage, I urge the court to recuse itself.”
Omoile’s attorney, Gbadamosi Kazeem (SAN), aligned with Ojo’s submission.
EFCC suggest, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), adversarial the applying, describing it as a extend tactic.
He argued that the complaints have been carried out slightly, and the defence had now not equipped proof of partial.
“This proceeding has been conducted fairly and equitably. My Lordship has ruled against us many times. If the defence is dissatisfied, they know the appropriate legal channels to challenge the rulings,” Oyedepo stated.
He additional contended that the sort of request must be made officially, now not orally.
“The application is intended to delay the matter, that is the only reasonable conclusion,” Oyedepo added.
Sooner than the adjournment, Emefiele’s attorney additionally sought shed to enchantment the courtroom’s previous ruling on jurisdiction.
Justice Oshodi due to this fact mounted February 26, 2025, to rule at the recusal request and alternative pending packages.