Emefiele’s $4.5bn Fraud Trial Stalled by Forensic Dispute

The ongoing fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has encountered a significant setback due to disputes surrounding the forensic examination of an iPhone and associated WhatsApp conversations. This examination is considered critical in the context of the $4.5 billion fraud allegations against Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.

During a session at the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, counsel for the defence, Olalekan Ojo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed Justice Rahman Oshodi that a court-ordered joint forensic analysis could not proceed as planned. The disagreement stemmed from conflicting views between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team regarding compliance with the court order.

Ojo stated that the EFCC’s failure to cooperate hindered the examination, originally scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2025. He claimed that representatives from both parties were present, but access to the device was restricted. “The first brick wall we faced was that the EFCC said the device could not be exposed to the entire team,” Ojo explained. He further noted that even after the court registrar clarified the order, the EFCC representatives refused to produce the phone, citing concerns over its integrity.

In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, argued that previous forensic attempts by the defence expert were flawed and failed to adhere to recognised standards. He asserted that the defence expert had conducted parts of the analysis online, risking data integrity. “The implication of their request is that Exhibit E (iPhone) may be altered,” Oyedepo contended, maintaining that the prosecution had not obstructed access but insisted on proper handling procedures.

Ojo urged Justice Oshodi to suspend further witness testimony until the forensic analysis could be completed, emphasizing that the WhatsApp conversations are vital for the defence’s case. In a brief ruling, Justice Oshodi acknowledged the issues raised by the defence. He directed the prosecution to file a forensic report within 24 hours but allowed witness testimony to continue, citing the need for efficiency given that the witness had traveled from Abuja.

The trial revolves around 19 counts against Emefiele, including corruption and abuse of office, with Omoile facing three counts related to unlawful gifts. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. Following the court’s directive, the prosecution called its next witness, Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, an operative from the EFCC. Gurumnaan testified about multiple cash deliveries allegedly made to Emefiele and his associates, supporting these claims with WhatsApp exchanges documented as exhibits.

The hearing concluded with Justice Oshodi scheduling the next sessions for October 8 and 9, 2025, to ensure the trial proceeds efficiently while addressing the complexities surrounding the forensic examination. As the case unfolds, the court’s decisions will likely have significant implications for both defendants and the broader context of corruption in Nigeria.