Court Admits Emefiele Statements In Alleged $4.5bn Fraud Trial

A Lagos court has admitted statements made by former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele as evidence in his trial over alleged abuse of office and multi-billion-naira fraud.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Division of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja ruled that the statements could be used in the case.

Channels TV reported that the judge held that the statements were not confessional and did not require a separate trial to decide whether they were admissible.

Daily Post reported that the court marked the statements as exhibits and adjourned the matter until October 6 for continuation of trial.

Emefiele’s defence team had challenged the statements, arguing that they were not voluntarily obtained while he was in detention. The court rejected the objection.

Daily Post reported that Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge involving alleged gratification, corrupt demands and abuse of office, with transactions put at $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge over alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts.

The allegations remain before the court. Emefiele and Omoile are presumed innocent unless the court finds otherwise.

Sources: Channels TV, Daily Post