crime

Emefiele Trial Witness Alleges EFCC Statement Duress

Published

9 months ago

January 15, 2026

Q Tinny

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).

Also read: Emefiele Wins Approval for Forensic WhatsApp Examination

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.

Also read: EFCC Uncovers N212bn Assets Linked to Malami

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

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

5 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.