Judge Rejects Recusal Request in Godwin Emefiele’s Trial, Dismisses Bias Claims

A Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed a request for Justice Rahman Oshodi to recuse himself from the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The judge ruled on Wednesday that the allegations of bias were unsubstantiated and lacked evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.

The request was made by Emefiele’s defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olalekan Ojo, who argued that the judge had shown signs of bias in previous rulings. However, the prosecution, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the application, maintaining that the trial had been conducted fairly and that the defence was merely attempting to delay proceedings.

After reviewing the arguments and legal precedents presented, Justice Oshodi ruled that the application lacked merit and dismissed it.

“The claims of bias have not been substantiated by either of the defendants. Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused,” Oshodi stated.

Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of receiving gratification and making corrupt demands. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also facing a three-count charge related to unlawfully accepting gifts as an agent. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

The call for the judge’s recusal came during Monday’s court session, after the prosecution had completed the examination-in-chief of its seventh witness, Adetola John. Instead of proceeding with cross-examination, Emefiele’s counsel, along with Omoile’s lawyer, Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, urged Justice Oshodi to withdraw from the case, citing concerns about impartiality.

The prosecution swiftly opposed the request, describing it as a delay tactic. With the judge’s ruling now settled, the trial is expected to continue as scheduled.