The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has admitted additional evidence in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $4.5bn fraud.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the EFCC said Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court made the ruling during proceedings on October 9, 2025.
“Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 9, 2025, admitted more evidence against a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in an alleged $4.5bn fraud,” the commission said.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, accusing him of soliciting and receiving illegal gratifications.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces a separate three-count accusation of unlawful receipt of gifts by agents.
According to the statement, the trial judge has deferred the case until December 2 and 3, 2025, for a mini-trial.
“The case was adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025, for a mini-trial,” the EFCC noted.
Thursday’s verdict is another milestone in Emefiele’s continuing prosecution, which began in 2023 after investigations into alleged abuse of office and large-scale financial irregularities during his tenure.
Emefiele, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 and later reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, faced intense scrutiny for controversial monetary policies implemented during his tenure, particularly the 2023 naira redesign and cash withdrawal limits, which sparked widespread public criticism and economic disruption.
He has constantly denied any misconduct, arguing that all actions done by the apex bank during his tenure were legal and in the national interest.
In previous trials, the anti-graft agency presented many documents and digital evidence, including WhatsApp communication records obtained from a mobile phone reportedly linked to Emefiele.
However, the defense team has constantly challenged the validity of some of the evidence, claiming that the EFCC did not follow due procedure in collecting or certifying it.
The forensic study of one of the devices, a rumored iPhone, has also been a source of controversy, with both parties differing on the methodology and level of access provided to specialists.
The EFCC earlier claimed that a portion of the funds in question, totaling billions of naira and foreign currencies, was traced back to Emefiele’s bank accounts and properties.
In 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the interim forfeiture of over $4.7 million, ₦830 million, and multiple properties allegedly linked to him. Later, another court granted the permanent forfeiture of assets worth over ₦12 billion.
Emefiele, who was governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 until 2023, has refuted all claims, claiming that his actions were legal and in the national interest.
The EFCC initially charged him in December 2023, following his suspension and arrest by the Department of State Services.
He was later re-arrested on several amended allegations, including alleged fraud, abuse of office, and unlawful receipt of gratification.
