An Ikeja Special Offences Court has rejected the recusal application presented by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The ruling occurred during a session in which the court addressed Emefiele's request, made through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), which alleged bias on the part of Justice Rahman Oshodi.
Justice Oshodi dismissed the oral application put forth by the defence team, emphasizing that the claims of bias were unsubstantiated.
The judge referenced several Supreme Court precedents, asserting that there was no evidence to warrant his disqualification from the case.
“I have carefully considered the submission from counsel. This oral application arose as a consequence of the ruling delivered on January 24, wherein the court was asked to recuse itself based on claims of bias.
‘The allegation of bias has not been substantiated. Consequently, the recusal application filed by the first and second defendants is hereby denied,” stated Justice Oshodi.
Emefiele's lead counsel, Ojo (SAN), had requested that the court withdraw from the case on February 24, arguing that previous rulings indicated a potential bias.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, characterizing it as unmeritorious and a tactic to delay proceedings.
Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge that includes allegations of receiving gratification and corrupt practices.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is charged with three counts related to the unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
In a separate ruling issued on Wednesday, the court granted Emefiele permission to appeal its earlier ruling from January 8, which questioned the court's jurisdiction to hear the case.
The trial has been adjourned until May 26 for continuation.
The legal representatives present at the proceedings included Oyedepo (SAN) for the EFCC, Ojo (SAN) for Emefiele, and Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN) for Omoile.
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