Court to Rule Wednesday on Emefiele’s Request for Judge’s Recusal

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled a ruling for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, regarding an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking the judge’s recusal from his ongoing trial. Emefiele faces charges of alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

During the trial proceedings, Emefiele’s defense team, led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, accused Justice Oshodi of bias. The allegation stemmed from the judge’s decision to permit a leading question during the prosecution’s examination-in-chief, which the defense had objected to. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the defense refused to cross-examine the witness and filed an oral application requesting the judge’s recusal from the case.

In response, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the application. Oyedepo argued that the court had previously ruled against the prosecution multiple times, demonstrating impartiality and refuting claims of bias.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the proceedings and set February 26, 2025, for the ruling on the recusal application. The outcome of this ruling will determine whether the current court will continue to preside over Emefiele’s trial or if the case will be reassigned to a different judge.