Emefiele Challenges EFCC Statements in Alleged $4.5bn Fraud Trial, Cites Torture and Prolonged DetentionThe ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, took another turn on Friday as his legal team challenged the admissibility of statements the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seeking to tender as evidence in the alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud case against him.Appearing before the Lagos State High Court, Emefiele’s lead counsel argued that the statements were not made voluntarily, alleging that his client was subjected to oppressive conditions, prolonged detention and inhumane treatment while in EFCC custody.
According to the defence, Emefiele was allegedly held incommunicado for more than 157 days before the statements were obtained, raising questions about whether they should be admitted as evidence during the trial. The defence maintained that any statement obtained through torture, intimidation, or other forms of coercion should not be accepted by the court. Relying on the provisions of the Evidence Act and the Anti-Torture Act, Emefiele’s lawyer urged the court to conduct a “trial-within-a-trial” to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily before deciding on their admissibility.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, informed the court that one of the statements dated October 26, 2023, had been withdrawn because it contained only the defendant’s personal information. The court subsequently struck out that particular statement after the defence raised no objection.
However, the prosecution opposed the request for a trial-within-a-trial regarding the remaining statements. Prosecutors argued that the documents were not confessional statements and therefore did not require such proceedings before being admitted into evidence. They further urged the court to allow the trial to continue without unnecessary delays, citing the public interest surrounding the case.
In response, Emefiele’s legal team insisted that the issue of voluntariness must first be resolved before any of the disputed statements could be admitted. According to the defence, determining whether the statements were obtained lawfully is essential to ensuring a fair trial and protecting the rights guaranteed under Nigerian law. After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Rahman Oshodi reserved ruling on the admissibility of the disputed statements until July 9, 2026. The judge also adjourned the substantive hearing of the case to October 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2026, when the trial is expected to continue. Emefiele is facing multiple charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and other financial offences involving billions of dollars and naira. He has consistently denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him. The case remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption trials due to Emefiele’s former position as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the magnitude of the allegations. Legal analysts say the court’s forthcoming decision on the admissibility of the disputed statements could significantly influence the direction of the trial as proceedings continue in the months ahead.
