A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday admitted into evidence the extrajudicial statement of Henry Omoile, co-defendant in the ongoing alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the statement made by Omoile to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was voluntary and not obtained under duress, dismissing the defendant’s objection.

Omoile had challenged the admissibility of the statement, alleging it was procured through oppression and inducement, prompting the court to conduct a “trial-within-trial” to determine its voluntariness.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that the statement, dated February 26, 2024, was made without coercion.

“I have carefully considered the evidence presented during the mini trial. The environment was active, and there is no evidence that the second defendant was physically harmed. I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the statement was made voluntarily,” the judge said.

The court admitted the statements, marked as Exhibits 1 to 3, as evidence, affirming they were not obtained under threat or inducement.

Omoile is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, while Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie appeared for the state, while Labi Lawal, SAN, represented the defendants at the hearing.

Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter to June 26, June 30, and July 6 and 8, 2026, for continuation of trial.