Former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele has requested Justice Rahman Oshodi to recuse himself from his ongoing fraud trial over alleged bias. The defence cited concerns over court rulings favoring the prosecution, while the EFCC dismissed the motion as a delay tactic. The judge will decide on February 26.
Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has urged Justice Rahman Oshodi to step down from his ongoing fraud trial over alleged bias. Emefiele, facing 19 charges including abuse of office and corruption, requested a session at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on February 24.
His lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, challenged the judge’s decision to allow a leading question despite the defense’s objection. The dispute arose when the prosecution, led by EFCC’s Rotimi Oyedepo, referenced a WhatsApp message retrieved from a witness’s phone. The defense argued the message had not yet been admitted as evidence and should not be read in court. However, the judge ruled in favor of the prosecution, citing the Evidence Act.
Dissatisfied, Emefiele’s legal team refused to cross-examine the witness and formally requested the judge’s recusal. Oyedepo opposed the motion, insisting the judge had previously ruled against both sides, proving impartiality. He accused the defense of delaying tactics, emphasizing that the court had granted an accelerated hearing.
Justice Oshodi has set February 26 to rule on the recusal request. On the same day, the court will hear a separate application from Emefiele’s team, challenging its jurisdiction over the case. The trial continues amid growing legal battles surrounding the former CBN governor.
