The Special Offences Division of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja has scheduled Thursday, October 9, for a ruling on the admissibility of key digital evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed the date after a heated exchange between prosecution and defence lawyers over the authenticity and proper certification of documents extracted from the mobile phone of a former CBN official, Mr. John Adetola, who previously served as Executive Assistant to Emefiele.
The controversy arose during the continued testimony of EFCC operative Alvan Gurumnaan, led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). Gurumnaan detailed findings from the commission’s investigation, including digital trails such as WhatsApp messages allegedly implicating Emefiele.
Among the materials presented was a chat with one Mr. Eric Eboh, in which instructions were reportedly given to deliver $400,000 to the former CBN governor. The witness claimed the delivery was made, although efforts to trace and interview Eboh are ongoing.
While some documents dated February 2024 were admitted without objection, the defence strongly opposed the admissibility of those extracted from Adetola’s phone, arguing they lacked proper certification as mandated by the Evidence Act.
Justice Oshodi is expected to rule on the matter at the next hearing.
