Bias: I will stay in your case, I won’t quit as you asked, Judge tells Emefiele

Admin I Wednesday, February 26, 2025

IKEJA, Lagos – Justice Raman Oshodi of the Domestic Violence and Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja today refused to recuse himself from the ongoing trial of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele’s defence led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN So had at the last hearing accused the judge of bias and urged him to recuse himself from the case.

Justice Rahman Oshodi in his ruling today held that the allegations of bias raised by the defence were unsubstantiated, stating that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.

The defence, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had on Monday orally applied for the court to step down from the matter, arguing that the judge’s previous rulings suggested a likelihood of bias.

However, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the application, insisting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly and equitably.

Justice Oshodi, after reviewing the arguments and legal authorities cited, ruled that the application lacked merit and subsequently refused it.

The court, in its second ruling on granted Emefiele permission to appeal the ruling delivered on Jan. 8 challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear his case.

The case was adjourned until May 26, 27 and 31 for continuation of trial.