Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has requested that Rahman Oshodi, the judge overseeing his trial for alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud, step down. Emefiele faces 19 charges, including abuse of office and corruption, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the trial on February 24, Emefiele’s lawyer objected to the judge’s decision on a leading question, leading to a motion for recusal. The defense argued that the judge’s ruling demonstrated bias, while the prosecution claimed the request was a delay tactic. The case has been adjourned to February 26, when the judge will rule on the recusal application and a jurisdiction challenge.