The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on Friday held a mini-trial to determine whether statements made by the second defendant in the alleged $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud case against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, were obtained under duress.
Henry Omolie, Emefiele’s co-defendant, told the court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi that his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were not voluntary.
Through his counsel, Akinsanya Kotoye (SAN), Omolie alleged the statements were extracted through threats, inducement, oppression, undue influence, and intimidation.
Kotoye, alongside Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that: “Omolie was traumatised and pressured during interrogation by the EFCC.
“His lawyer was sent out of the interrogation room, denying him legal representation.
“He was instructed to write on blank A4 sheets, which were later vetted and rewritten by operatives.
“EFCC operatives promised him release if he implicated Emefiele,” which the defence described as an inducement.
Citing Section 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice framework, the defence stressed that the absence of video recording during the statement-taking process makes the documents unreliable and inadmissible.
“One of the major ways of determining voluntariness of a document is the production of video evidence,” Kotoye submitted.
Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) maintained that Omolie’s statements were made freely and in line with due process.
He told the court that the lack of video recording does not invalidate the statements and insisted that all legal requirements were met.
An EFCC witness had earlier testified that Omolie gave the statements voluntarily.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge related to alleged gratification, corrupt demands, and abuse of office in connection with large-scale financial transactions.
Omolie, described as his associate, faces a three-count charge over alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts while acting as an agent in CBN-connected transactions.
The prosecution alleged the transactions, estimated at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion, represent serious breaches of trust and procedure.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to May 4, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the contested statements.
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