Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has dismissed a request for his recusal from the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, with Justice Oshodi stating that the defense’s allegations of bias were unsubstantiated.
The defense, led by Olalekan Ojo, had filed an oral application on Monday, arguing that the judge’s previous rulings indicated a potential bias in the case. In response, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the recusal, asserting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly.
After reviewing the arguments presented, Justice Oshodi concluded that the claims of bias were not supported by any evidence. He ruled, “The claims of bias have not been substantiated by either of the defendants. Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused.”
This decision allows the trial to proceed without interruption, as the legal proceedings continue against Emefiele amid allegations of financial misconduct.
