The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, suffered a setback on Tuesday following a dispute between defence lawyers and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the forensic examination of an iPhone and WhatsApp chats tendered as evidence.
At the Lagos High Court in Ikeja, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN) accused the EFCC of obstructing the joint forensic analysis ordered by the court, alleging that the agency refused to grant full access to the device during scheduled examinations on September 24 and 25.
However, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) denied the claim, arguing that the defence expert lacked proper facilities and warning that further handling of the phone could compromise the data.
Justice Rahman Oshodi directed the EFCC to submit its forensic report within 24 hours but allowed the agency’s witness to continue testifying.
Emefiele is facing 19 counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office, alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. The case was adjourned to October 8 and 9 for continuation of trial.
