Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has challenged the attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to rely on written statements in his ongoing criminal trial involving allegations of large-scale fraud and abuse of office.
At the Lagos State High Court on Friday, June 26, 2026, Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), asked Justice Rahman Oshodi to exclude the documents, arguing that they were not obtained under lawful conditions.
The defense maintained that the statements were recorded while the defendant was in EFCC custody under what it described as harsh and coercive circumstances, adding that he was detained for an extended period before the statements were eventually taken.
It further relied on provisions of the Evidence Act and the Anti-Torture Act, insisting that any evidence derived from intimidation, duress or inhumane treatment is legally invalid.
The defense also argued that the prosecution must first establish that the statements were made freely before they can be considered by the court.
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The issue arose after prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), sought to place reliance on accounts said to have been made by Emefiele during EFCC interrogation sessions in October 2023, presented through investigator Alvan Ikoku.
The prosecution subsequently withdrew one of the documents dated October 26, 2023, stating it contained only identification particulars. With no objection from the defence, the court removed it from the record.
The prosecution opposed calls for a trial-within-trial, insisting that the remaining statements were not confessions and therefore did not require a separate inquiry into their voluntariness. It urged the court to continue with proceedings without interruption.
It also maintained that issues relating to admissibility should be determined strictly under the Evidence Act.
However, the defense insisted that the court must first resolve whether the statements were freely made before any consideration of their content, arguing that allegations of coercion go to the root of their admissibility.
After hearing both sides, Justice Oshodi fixed July 9, 2026, for ruling on the objection. The main trial was also adjourned to October 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2026, for continuation of hearing.