The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned ruling on an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking a forensic examination of WhatsApp messages submitted in his ongoing fraud trial.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed the ruling for September 15, 2025, following arguments from both the defence and prosecution over the legitimacy and procedure of verifying digital evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile for alleged money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion, is challenging the authenticity of WhatsApp messages extracted from a device referred to in court as “iPhone 2.”
His counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that a forensic expert needs to examine the device and the printed chat logs to verify the integrity of the messages.
“We are requesting permission to conduct a forensic analysis of the mobile device and the messages extracted therefrom in order to verify their authenticity and integrity. It is a critical element of our defence,” Ojo submitted.
However, EFCC counsel, Chinenye Okezie, opposed the application, arguing that Emefiele’s legal team had not fulfilled the procedural requirements necessary for such a request. She also noted that the defence had not disclosed details about the intended forensic lab, its personnel, or the duration of the process.
Okezie insisted that, should the request be granted, the examination must be conducted under strict oversight.
She suggested that a certified lab be nominated by the EFCC’s Forensic Department, with the process carried out in the presence of a qualified prosecution expert to ensure the chain of custody and prevent tampering.
Justice Oshodi, after hearing both sides, postponed ruling until after the court’s annual vacation.
READ ALSO: Emefiele Challenges Forfeiture of 753 Unit Housing Estate
At a previous hearing on May 27, EFCC witness Alvan Gurumnaan testified that Emefiele allegedly received $17.1 million in cash over a period of three years through a proxy.
The prosecution submitted supporting documents and digital evidence, including the contested WhatsApp messages.
Emefiele’s defence team has since maintained that it intends to forensically examine all tendered evidence as part of its strategy to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s case.