“EFCC pressured me to implicate Emefiele,” co-defendant tells court in $4.5bn fraud trial

Henry Omoile, a co-defendant in the alleged $4.5 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele, told a Lagos court that investigators from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pressured him to implicate Emefiele.

Omoile made the claim on Friday while testifying in a trial-within-a-trial before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. The proceeding was convened to determine whether statements he previously made to the EFCC were given voluntarily.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Adeyinka Kotoye, Omoile said the statements admitted as exhibits TWT 1–4 did not reflect a genuine confession. He told the court that investigators dictated the content of the statements.

“The statements in exhibits TWT 1–4 did not contain a confession. I lied in them,” Omoile said, adding that EFCC investigators threatened to take him to court if he did not write what they wanted.

Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, including allegations of receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor. Omoile is charged separately with three counts relating to the unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

During cross-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, Omoile confirmed that he had been cautioned before making the statements and that he signed the cautionary words.

He also acknowledged that the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit opposing the allegations he raised, although he did not present the document in court.

Omoile further told the court that he had discussed filing a fundamental human rights enforcement suit with his lawyer and confirmed that a motion ex parte had been filed earlier in the day.

When asked about the circumstances surrounding the statement, Omoile said he complied because he wanted to leave custody.

“I just wanted to go home,” he said.

He also told the court that he had not filed any complaint or petition against the EFCC investigative team over the alleged threats.

Earlier in his testimony, Omoile alleged that the head of the investigative team, identified as Alvan, told him he could be granted bail and might not be charged if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to April 17 for the adoption of final written addresses.