Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on October 9, 2025, admitted additional documents as exhibits in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, overruling objections from the defence.

The development came as prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, continued the testimony of Alvan Gurumnaan, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who presented fresh insights into the evidence uncovered during investigations.

Gurumnaan read WhatsApp messages between a Mr. Henry and John Adetola, tendered as Exhibit G, instructing Adetola to deliver $400,000 to “Oga,” referring to Emefiele. Adetola later confirmed to investigators that he met Emefiele’s personal assistant in Lekki, Lagos, and delivered the money, which was subsequently handed over to Emefiele at his CBN office.

Further testimony revealed another $200,000 transaction delivered directly to Emefiele by Adetola. EFCC investigators also called Victor Oyedua, a CBN contractor, who confirmed he handed over $400,000 and $200,000 to Emefiele via his assistant. Oyedua explained the payments were made to facilitate his ongoing projects with the CBN.

The prosecution tendered original documents from CBN, including a letter dated February 24, 2024, as Exhibit H, citing them as primary evidence received during EFCC investigations. Defence counsels, led by Olalekan Ojo SAN and Kazeem Gbadamosi SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents, arguing concerns over authenticity and certification. Justice Oshodi overruled their objections and admitted the documents.

In addition, John Adetola’s MI10T phone, used in the transactions, was tendered and admitted as Exhibit I. EFCC investigators analyzed further WhatsApp conversations retrieved from the device, presenting them as key evidence.

The prosecution also sought to admit statements made by the defendants during investigations. Defence counsels objected, claiming the statements were made under duress. Justice Oshodi ordered a trial within a trial to examine the matter, scheduling parties to report on an agreement for forensic inspection on November 21, 2025.

The court adjourned the matter to December 2 and 3, 2025, for continuation of the mini-trial.

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