Emefiele Co-Defendant's Statement Admissible in Court

In a significant development at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Justice Rahman Oshodi has ruled that an extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile, a co-defendant in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, is admissible as evidence. This decision follows a trial-within-trial convened to ascertain whether Omoile's statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was procured voluntarily or under duress.

Omoile had vehemently challenged the admissibility of his statement, alleging coercion and inducement by the EFCC. He faces a three-count charge related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is embroiled in a 19-count charge concerning alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure. Both have pleaded not guilty.

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I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini-trial. The environment was active, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed.

Justice Oshodi, in his ruling, affirmed that the prosecution successfully demonstrated that the statements obtained from Omoile on February 26, 2024, were made voluntarily, without any form of coercion, inducement, or threat. The judge noted the active environment during the statement's recording and the absence of evidence of physical harm to the defendant. "I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily," the judge stated, subsequently admitting the statements marked as Exhibits 1 to 3.

However, the court rejected another statement dated February 27, 2024, on the grounds that it was neither made in the presence of Omoile’s lawyer nor recorded on video, as mandated by law. This nuanced ruling underscores the court's commitment to due process while ensuring that evidence presented is both relevant and lawfully obtained. The Punch will continue to monitor the proceedings as the trial progresses, with further hearings scheduled for June and July 2026.

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I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily.