The ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has encountered a significant delay due to disagreements between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team over the forensic examination process of critical mobile phone evidence. An Ikeja Special Offences Court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, heard that the court-ordered forensic analysis of Emefiele’s phone and its WhatsApp conversations could not proceed as scheduled because both parties remain at odds over how the examination should be conducted.
Emefiele, facing 19 counts charged by the EFCC including allegations of corrupt practices and abuse of office, had his legal counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, raise concerns that the EFCC frustrated the court-sanctioned joint forensic examination by experts from both sides on two separate occasions. The defence had sought the examination to verify the authenticity and integrity of WhatsApp messages and other data tendered as exhibits. The iPhone designated “iPhone 2” remains in flight mode, preventing any tampering, but the disagreement on the logistics of the examination has stalled progress.
The EFCC maintains that it has never prevented the defence from accessing the evidence but insists that handling must be done properly to preserve its integrity. Justice Oshodi acknowledged the disputes yet allowed for continuation of the prosecution’s witness testimony due to the witness's travel from Abuja. The court directed the prosecution to file the forensic report within 24 hours and called for electronic service of documents to avoid further delays.
Prosecution witness Alvan Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative, provided detailed testimony describing multiple cash deliveries and financial transactions coordinated through WhatsApp, implicating Emefiele and associates. The witness presented several WhatsApp conversation exhibits showing a coordinated flow of large sums of foreign currency.
The trial, which includes co-defendant Henry Omoile, was adjourned to October 8 and 9, 2025, for continuation. Both defendants plead not guilty.
This procedural clash highlights challenges in the judicial process concerning the examination of digital evidence in high-profile corruption cases. The forensic analysis is considered pivotal for verifying key evidence, and its delay impacts the trial’s timeline and the quest for judicial transparency.