Judge rejects Emefiele’s request to withdraw from his trial, gives reason | READ DETAILS

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has rejected a request for his withdrawal from the ongoing trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Recall that the defence, led by Olalekan Ojo, had on Monday orally applied for the judge to recuse himself, arguing that his previous rulings suggested a likelihood of bias.

However, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC opposed the application, insisting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly and equitably.

Ruling on Wednesday, on the recusal request, Justice Oshodi held that the allegations of bias raised by the defence were unsubstantiated, stating that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.

“The claims of bias have not been substantiated by either of the defendants.

“Accordingly, the first and second defendants’ recusal application is refused,” Oshodi ruled.