Kemisola Oye
A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday refused the recusal application of the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Rahman Oshodi refused the oral application of the defence for recusal after reviewing the arguments of the parties, citing various Supreme Court decisions.
Justice Oshodi held that the allegations of bias raised by the team of defence were unsubstantiated.
According to him, the oral application lacks merit and there is no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.
Justice Oshodi held: “I have carefully considered the submission of the counsel. This oral application came as a result of a ruling delivered on 24 January 2025 asking the court to recuse itself from this case on the grounds of bias.
“The allegation of bias has not been substantiated. Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is hereby refused.”
Mr Emefiele’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) had on 24 February 2025 urged the court to step down from the matter, arguing that the judge’s previous rulings suggested a likelihood of bias.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) had, however, objected to the application. Oyedepo had argued that the application was unmeritorious and it was a delay tactic.
Mr Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demands.
Mr Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
When trial resumed earlier today, Oyedepo appeared for the EFCC, Ojo appeared for the embattled former top banker, while Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN) appeared for the second defendant.
The court, in its second ruling on Wednesday granted permission to Mr Emefiele to appeal the ruling delivered on 8 January 2025 challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear his case.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case till 26 May 2025 for continuation of trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media