$4.5bn fraud case: Defence alleges EFCC coerced statements against Emefiele

By Akin Kuponiyi

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged $4.5 billion fraud continued on Thursday at the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, with a defence witness alleging that his client’s statement was obtained under improper conditions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Testifying in a trial-within-trial ordered by the court, Mr. Nnamdi Ofia, counsel to the second defendant, Henry Omolie, told the court that he was prevented from witnessing and recording his client’s statement during EFCC interrogation.

Ofia said that contrary to standard legal practice, EFCC officials walked him out of the interrogation room when he insisted that Omolie’s statement should be taken in the presence of his lawyer.

According to him, one EFCC official identified as Mr. David questioned his right to challenge the procedure before escorting him out.

He further testified that he was later instructed by another official, Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, to wait elsewhere in the premises, where he allegedly sat from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. without being allowed to observe the statement-taking process.

Ofia told the court that his client later informed him that EFCC interrogators made promises suggesting he could gain his freedom and avoid prosecution if he cooperated and provided information against Emefiele.

The defence witness said the alleged inducements influenced the contents of the statement tendered by the prosecution, adding that Omolie was subjected to leading questions and was compelled to answer in a manner favourable to investigators.

“I observed that prepared questions and answers were imposed on my client,” Ofia said, adding that on several occasions, Omolie was not allowed to respond freely to questions put to him.

He said he reported his concerns to the head of the interrogation team but was merely asked to sit aside.

Justice Rahman Oshodi had earlier ordered a trial-within-trial after Omolie informed the court that his statement to the EFCC was made under duress.

Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands, while Omolie is standing trial on a three-count charge relating to the unlawful acceptance of gifts by an agent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court adjourned further hearing in the matter until Friday, January 16, 2026.