Rahman Oshodi, a judge at the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, has rejected the request to step down from the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Emefiele is facing 19 counts bordering on abuse of office, receiving gratification, and corrupt demands, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During Monday’s court proceedings, Olalekan Ojo, counsel for Godwin Emefiele, orally requested that Justice Rahman Oshodi recuse himself from the trial. This request followed a dispute that arose while the seventh prosecution witness, John Adetola, was testifying.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the EFCC’s counsel, was leading Adetola’s testimony and referenced an earlier statement in which Adetola claimed he received a bribe from John Ayoh and delivered it to Emefiele at his office. Oyedepo then asked Adetola to verify a WhatsApp message from Eric Odoh, which had been extracted from his phone by EFCC investigators.
Ojo objected, arguing that the document was only for identification and had not yet been formally accepted as an exhibit. The defense contended that the witness should not read or comment on the document at that point.
The court overruled the objection, citing section 224 of the Evidence Act, which allows for leading questions on introductory or undisputed matters.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the defense declined to cross-examine the witness and instead filed a motion for the judge to recuse himself from the case.
On Wednesday, Justice Oshodi delivered his ruling, stating that after reviewing the arguments and legal authorities presented, the request lacked merit and was therefore dismissed.
