An Ikeja Special Offences Court has dismissed the application for recusal from the ongoing trial of the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi on Wednesday ruled that the allegation of bias by the court against Emefiele has not been substantiated by the defence team.
Delivering the ruling on the oral application brought before the court on 24th February, 2025 by the defendants’ Counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, and Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, Justice Oshodi said, “The first and second defendants application is refused…This is the ruling of the court.”
In the ruling, the judge said that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.
After the presiding judge reviewed some arguments and legal authorities, he thereby ruled that the application lacked merit.
Recall that Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand proferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
