The Special Offences Division of the Lagos High Court has ruled that the extrajudicial statement made by Henry Omoile, co-defendant to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, is admissible in evidence.
Omoile had challenged the statements he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging they were obtained under inducement and oppression. This prompted a “trial-within-trial” to determine whether the statements were voluntary.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution successfully proved the statements made on February 26, 2024, were given voluntarily and without coercion, threat, or inducement. The court therefore admitted them as evidence.
However, the judge rejected another set of statements dated February 27, 2024, on the grounds that they were not obtained in the presence of a legal practitioner or recorded on video, as required.
Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge involving alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure.
The court has adjourned the matter to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.