Emefiele Trial: Co-Defendant Tells Court He Lied in EFCC Statement

Henry Omoile, who is standing trial alongside former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud, has told a Lagos court that he made false claims in a statement earlier given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Omoile made the disclosure on Friday while testifying during a trial-within-a-trial before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. The separate hearing was convened to determine whether the statements Omoile made to EFCC investigators were obtained voluntarily.

While giving evidence through his lawyer, Adeyinka Kotoye, the defendant argued that the statements admitted as exhibits TWT 1 to 4 did not represent a true confession. He alleged that investigators instructed him on what to write during the interrogation.

According to Omoile, the statement attributed to him was not a voluntary admission. He told the court that he included information suggested by investigators after they allegedly warned that he could be taken to court if he failed to comply. The case forms part of a broader prosecution involving Emefiele, who faces a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC over allegations of receiving gratification and making corrupt demands while serving as head of the apex bank.

Omoile, on his part, is facing three counts related to the alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both defendants have denied the charges. During cross-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, Omoile acknowledged that he was formally cautioned before making the statement and confirmed that he signed the cautionary notice.

When asked about the commission’s response to his allegations, Omoile said the EFCC had submitted a counter-affidavit but admitted that he did not present the document before the court. He also informed the court that he had discussed with his lawyer the possibility of initiating a suit to enforce his fundamental human rights, noting that a motion ex parte had already been filed earlier in the day.

Under further questioning, the defendant conceded that a court ruling he submitted had no direct connection to exhibit D4, although he maintained that the issues were related.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the statement, Omoile told the court that his primary concern at the time was to be allowed to leave custody. When asked whether he had lodged any complaint or petition against the EFCC investigators over the alleged threats, he said he had not done so.

Earlier in the proceedings, Omoile claimed that investigators had tried to persuade him to implicate Emefiele in the case. He alleged that the head of the investigative team, identified as Alvan, suggested he might be granted bail and possibly avoid charges if he cooperated by providing evidence against the former CBN governor.

Justice Oshodi subsequently adjourned the matter until April 17 for the adoption of final written addresses.

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