Emefiele trial witness alleges EFCC statement taken under duress; defence claims improper procedures influenced testimony in $4.5bn fraud case

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud continued on Thursday at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, with a defence witness alleging that a statement by co-defendant Henry Omolie was obtained under improper conditions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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Testifying during a court-ordered trial-within-trial, Mr. Nnamdi Ofia, counsel to Omolie, said he was prevented from witnessing and recording his client’s statement during EFCC interrogation.

He told the court that EFCC officials walked him out of the interrogation room after he insisted that Omolie’s statement be taken in his presence.

According to Ofia, one EFCC official, identified as Mr. David, questioned his right to challenge the procedure before escorting him out, while another official, Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, instructed him to wait elsewhere on the premises, where he allegedly sat from 10 a.m.

until 8 p.m. without access to the interrogation.

Ofia further testified that his client indicated EFCC interrogators made promises suggesting he could gain freedom and avoid prosecution if he cooperated and provided information against Emefiele.

He alleged that these inducements influenced the content of the statement tendered by the prosecution, adding that Omolie was subjected to leading questions and compelled to answer in a manner favourable to investigators.

“I observed that prepared questions and answers were imposed on my client,” Ofia told the court, noting that Omolie was frequently prevented from responding freely.

He said his concerns were reported to the head of the interrogation team but were dismissed.

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

Emefiele faces a 19-count charge relating to receiving gratification and making corrupt demands, while Omolie is standing trial on a three-count charge of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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The court adjourned the proceedings until Friday, 16 January 2026.