The ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele has taken a significant turn, as Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has dismissed a request for his recusal.
Emefiele’s defense team, led by Olalekan Ojo, had orally applied for Justice Oshodi’s withdrawal from the case on Monday, citing concerns of bias due to his previous rulings.
The defense argued that the judge’s earlier decisions suggested a likelihood of bias, which could impact the fairness of the trial.
However, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), vehemently opposed the application.
Oyedepo insisted that the proceedings had been conducted fairly and equitably, with no evidence to support the allegations of bias.
After carefully reviewing the arguments and legal authorities cited by both parties, Justice Oshodi delivered his ruling on Wednesday.
The judge held that the allegations of bias raised by the defense were unsubstantiated and lacked merit.
Justice Oshodi emphasized that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case, adding that the defense had failed to provide any convincing reasons for his recusal.
Consequently, the judge dismissed the application, paving the way for the trial to continue.
This development comes after Emefiele’s earlier attempt to challenge the court’s jurisdiction was also dismissed.
The former CBN governor is facing charges brought by the EFCC, and the trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks.