RismadarVoice Reporters
January 16, 2026
Counsel to Henry Omoile, E.N. Offial, on Thursday told the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, that his client was never harassed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during interrogation over the alleged $4.5bn fraud involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Offial made the submission on January 15, 2026, while testifying before Justice Rahman Oshodi during the resumed hearing of the case.
Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged receipt of gratification and making corrupt demands while serving as CBN governor.
His co-defendant, Omoile, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the resumed sitting, Omoile’s lawyer, while being cross-examined by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, admitted that the second defendant was duly cautioned in his presence and that he signed the cautionary statement.
He further admitted that he participated in the interrogation process and was aware that whatever Omoile wrote in his statement could be used against him in court.
When asked whether he had at any time complained or filed a petition against the investigative team over alleged misconduct, the witness answered in the negative.
He also acknowledged that the court which heard the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Omoile did not find the EFCC guilty of any wrongdoing.
Offial further told the court that, to the best of his knowledge, his client was never harassed by EFCC officials in his presence.
Earlier in the proceedings, the witness had alleged that EFCC investigators attempted to pressure his client into implicating Emefiele.
However, under cross-examination, he admitted that those claims were not upheld by the court.
Offial, who was testifying in a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of Omoile’s statement to the EFCC, had claimed that investigators made promises to his client in exchange for incriminating the former CBN governor.
He told the court that Omoile had informed him that the head of the EFCC interrogation team allegedly promised him bail and possible exemption from prosecution if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele.
The allegations were later found to be unfounded.
The witness also testified that the interrogation was conducted in a question-and-answer format and that Omoile was required to respond to questions before writing his answers on the statement sheet.
Justice Oshodi consequently adjourned the matter until January 16, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
