By Kayode Lawal
The legal team representing former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has accused Justice Abdulrahman Oshodi of bias and demanded that he step down from the case.
The defense claims the judge has already formed an opinion on the matter, undermining the possibility of a fair trial.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, lead counsel Olalekan Ojo argued that Justice Oshodi made a prejudicial statement while prosecution witness, Adetola John, was testifying. The judge allegedly declared in open court that the bribery allegations against Emefiele had been proven, despite the trial still being in progress.
Ojo insisted that such remarks were inappropriate, especially since cross-examination had not yet taken place. He argued that Justice Oshodi’s statement suggested he had already made up his mind, making it impossible for Emefiele to receive an impartial hearing. “This court granted an accelerated hearing, but what we are witnessing is an accelerated sentencing,” Ojo said.
Another senior lawyer on the defense team, Kazeem Gbadamosi, also objected to the judge’s continued role in the case. He stated that declaring the bribery allegation “proven” before the trial concluded amounted to a preemptive conviction. “A fair trial requires an open mind until all evidence has been examined,” Gbadamosi argued.
The defense’s objection arose during the testimony of Adetola John, who was being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo.
The moment Justice Oshodi allegedly made the controversial remark, the defense team immediately raised concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
The courtroom exchange heightened tensions, with the defense maintaining that Emefiele’s right to a fair trial had been compromised. They insisted that Justice Oshodi’s continued presence on the case would cast doubt on any verdict delivered.
Following the heated arguments, Justice Oshodi announced that he would deliver a ruling on the recusal request on February 26. The decision is expected to determine whether the trial will proceed under his watch or be reassigned to another judge.
Crediblenewsng.com
