The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, November 21, 2025, adjourned the forensic inspection of a key digital exhibit in the ongoing fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to January 5 and 8, 2026.
Justice Rahman Oshodi fixed the new dates following arguments at the previous sitting in which the prosecution insisted that the examination of the device, marked as Exhibit I, must be done under strict conditions, including the absence of any internet connection.
Exhibit I is the mobile phone belonging to Emefiele.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the inspection must be conducted in the presence of both prosecution and defence counsel, and a certified forensic expert, with the court registrar supervising the process.
He further directed that the exhibit remain in the custody of the court for the duration of the trial, adding that the examination will be conducted through screen-mirroring technology.
Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses him of receiving gratification, making corrupt demands, and abusing his office during his tenure as CBN Governor.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces three counts bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
Godwin Emefiele, who served as CBN Governor from June 2014 to June 2023, has been the subject of multiple investigations since his suspension from office by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
His tenure, once praised for stabilisation efforts and interventionist programmes, came under scrutiny over alleged breaches of financial regulations, controversial currency redesign policies, and claims of unchecked discretionary powers.
The present case involves allegations that Emefiele oversaw illicit financial flows totalling about $4.5 billion, allegedly diverted through various CBN channels during his time in office.
The EFCC also alleges that he demanded and received bribes from private individuals and businesses seeking regulatory approvals or access to foreign exchange windows.
Emefiele was first arrested in 2023 and has faced several separate charges, including alleged procurement fraud and abuse of office.
While some earlier charges were withdrawn by the government, the EFCC consolidated fresh allegations into the current 19-count charge filed in Lagos.
The court’s decision to carry out a forensic inspection of his mobile device is expected to play a crucial role in determining the authenticity of digital communications, transactions, and records tied to the alleged fraudulent activities.
The trial continues in January 2026.
