By Our Correspondent

National News – Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned the ongoing trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, to May 4, 2026, for a ruling on a disputed statement.

The decision followed intense legal arguments on Friday over whether an extra-judicial statement made by co-defendant Henry Omoile was voluntarily given.

The case, heard in Lagos, centres on allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful financial dealings amounting to about $4.5bn and N2.8bn.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, insists the statement should be admitted as evidence, arguing it was obtained legally and in the presence of legal counsel.

Oyedepo maintained that the defendant was duly cautioned, signed the statement willingly, and even declined to implicate Emefiele, which, according to him, proves the absence of coercion.

However, defence lawyers strongly opposed this position.

Counsel to Omoile, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), argued that the statement’s voluntariness is questionable, citing breaches of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and Act.

He stressed that failure to video-record the interrogation undermines due process and raises concerns about possible inducement or intimidation.

Similarly, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to reject the statement, noting that any doubt about voluntariness must favour the accused under Nigerian law.

The trial-within-trial, which seeks to determine the admissibility of the statement, has become a critical stage in the broader prosecution.

Justice Oshodi, after listening to both sides, fixed May 4 for ruling and scheduled June 26 and June 30, 2026, for continuation of the main trial proceedings.

The case continues to draw national attention due to its scale, the high-profile status of the defendants, and its implications for accountability in Nigeria’s financial sector.