By Emmanuel Ukudolo l Tuesday, October 07, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – THE massive $4.5 billion fraud trial of Nigeria’s former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has hit a major setback after his lawyers accused state prosecutors of repeatedly BLOCKING a court-ordered examination of his crucial iPhone.
The sensational courtroom drama unfolded on Tuesday as a Lagos judge was told that attempts to forensically examine a mobile device and its WhatsApp conversations — central to the explosive case — had stalled.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told the Ikeja Special Offences Court the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had erected “brickwalls” and twice prevented the successful execution of the order.
Phone Secrets Row
The court previously ruled that the iPhone 12, marked as “Exhibit E” and its contents, must be examined by experts from both the prosecution and the defence.
But Mr. Ojo alleged that on two dates last month, nothing could be accomplished despite representatives from both sides, and the court’s Registrar, being present.
He claimed the EFCC initially argued the device “cannot be exposed to the entire team.”
Then, on the second day, he alleged the EFCC representatives met the defence’s Apple expert with a “categorical No” and refused to produce the phone for the examination.
The lawyer insisted that his experts needed “unfettered access” to perform their duty, arguing the prosecution’s actions had essentially blocked the entire process.
In a blistering reply, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, shot back, claiming the defence’s initial forensic attempt was “flawed and non-compliant with forensic standards.”
He alleged their expert had “no physical laboratory” and carried out parts of the examination via a live internet connection, which he argued risked data compromise.
Mr. Oyedepo stressed that the prosecution was protecting the integrity of the evidence.
He told the court: “The implication of their request is that Exhibit E may be altered. The data could auto-sync and change the integrity of the exhibit.”
He assured the judge the phone remains safely in flight mode to ensure it remains untampered with.
The defence team, however, argued that the WhatsApp chats are crucial to their case and urged the judge to defer further testimony until the forensic report is complete.
Trial Continues
Justice Rahman Oshodi acknowledged the row but ruled that the EFCC must file a forensic report within 24 hours.
He allowed the trial to continue immediately, noting that a key prosecution witness had travelled all the way from the capital, Abuja, for the hearing.
Emefiele is facing 19 counts bordering on receiving bribes, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, while his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing three counts relating to the unlawful acceptance of gifts. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Shortly after the ruling, EFCC operative Alvan Gurumnaan presented multiple WhatsApp conversations (Exhibits P1 – P27) detailing serial cash deliveries allegedly made to the defendants.
Gurumnaan claimed the evidence shows a repeated flow of large sums of foreign currency, coordinated via WhatsApp and carried out through intermediaries.
The trial continues tomorrow.
