Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, took a new turn on Friday as the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, adjourned the forensic inspection of a key digital exhibit until January 2026.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed January 5 and 8, 2026 for the examination of Exhibit I, Emefiele’s cellphone, which is central to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) allegations of a $4.5 billion fraud during his tenure as head of the apex bank.
The shift followed the prosecution’s insistence at a previous sitting that the forensic analysis must be conducted “without any internet connection,” a condition aimed at preserving the integrity of the digital evidence.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the inspection must be carried out in the presence of the prosecution and defence teams, alongside a certified forensic expert, with the entire process supervised by the court registrar. The judge further ordered that the phone remain in the custody of the court and that the inspection will be executed using screen-mirroring technology.
Emefiele is currently facing 19 counts, including receiving gratification and making corrupt demands while in office. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is answering to three counts related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
The court’s decision underscores the complexity of the digital evidence at the heart of the case and signals that the high-profile trial will stretch into 2026 as parties prepare for a technical, closely monitored forensic process.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments