A co-defendant of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pressured him to provide incriminating evidence against Emefiele. Nnamdi Offia, counsel to Henry Omoile, made the claim while testifying before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
Offia stated that EFCC investigators promised Omoile bail and possible non-prosecution if he cooperated and provided evidence against Emefiele. He also alleged that investigators dictated responses during interrogation, preventing Omoile from writing answers that didn’t align with their expectations
The lawyer further claimed that Omoile was detained for 21 days, prompting him to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos. Justice Muslim Hassan granted bail but ordered Omoile to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until bail conditions were perfected.
During cross-examination, Offia admitted that Omoile was cautioned in his presence and signed the caution. He also acknowledged participating in the statement-taking process and understanding that Omoile’s statements could be used as evidence in court
Emefiele and Omoile are facing charges of accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property. The trial-within-trial continues today
