By John Umeh
The ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged $4.5 billion fraud, suffered a setback on Tuesday following a heated disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team over the forensic examination of a mobile phone presented as key evidence in the case.
The forensic test, which was scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2025, could not take place as both sides accused each other of obstructing the court’s directive. The phone, an iPhone 12, reportedly contains WhatsApp conversations that the EFCC is relying on as part of its evidence against Emefiele.
During the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), alleged that the EFCC deliberately frustrated efforts to access the device despite the presence of both legal teams and a court representative.
“The EFCC refused to produce the phone for proper analysis. Even when the Registrar clarified that the court’s order covered the phone and its contents, the commission’s representatives still denied access,” Ojo told the court.
He urged the court to issue a fresh order compelling the EFCC to grant unrestricted access to the device, arguing that the commission’s refusal amounted to a violation of the earlier court directive.
However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered the claims, accusing the defence of breaching forensic protocols.
“The defence expert attempted to connect the device to the internet, which is against standard forensic procedures. Such an act could automatically sync or alter data, jeopardizing the integrity of the evidence,” Oyedepo stated.
He insisted that the EFCC was not obstructing the process but was only ensuring that the forensic analysis was conducted professionally and within global standards.
Both defence lawyers, Ojo and A. Kotoye (SAN), pleaded with the court to halt further proceedings until the forensic report is completed, emphasizing that the WhatsApp chats are crucial to their case and must be properly verified.
After listening to both sides, Justice Oshodi expressed concern over the delay and ordered the EFCC to submit its forensic report within 24 hours, pending further directives on how the disputed analysis would proceed.
Emefiele, alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces 19 counts of alleged fraud, corruption, and abuse of office. The trial continues as both parties prepare for the next phase of proceedings in what has become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption cases.
