Emefiele Fraud Trial Stalled Over iPhone Forensic Dispute

The ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has encountered a significant setback due to a dispute regarding the forensic examination of an iPhone and associated WhatsApp messages. This examination is considered critical evidence in the case, which also involves co-defendant Henry Omoile. The disagreement arose between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team over the execution of a court order during a hearing at the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos.

During the hearing presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, reported that the joint forensic analysis mandated by the court could not proceed as scheduled. A series of disputes regarding compliance modalities prevented the examination from taking place as planned. Emefiele and Omoile are facing a total of 19 charges, including alleged fraud and abuse of office.

Ojo informed the court that the forensic review, originally set for September 24 and 25, 2025, was attended by representatives from both sides and the court registrar. However, the EFCC allegedly limited access to the device, causing the examination to be aborted. “The first brick wall we faced was that the EFCC said the device could not be exposed to the entire team,” Ojo stated. He further argued that without full access to the device, a meaningful forensic analysis could not be conducted.

In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, contended that the previous forensic attempt by the defence was flawed and did not meet recognized standards. He claimed that the defence expert lacked proper facilities and conducted part of the analysis online, raising concerns about data integrity. “The implication of their request is that Exhibit E (iPhone) may be altered,” Oyedepo argued, insisting that the prosecution had not obstructed access but was ensuring proper handling procedures.

The defence team urged the court to suspend further witness testimony until the forensic examination is completed, arguing that the WhatsApp conversations are central to their case. In a brief ruling, Justice Oshodi acknowledged these concerns and directed the prosecution to file its forensic report within 24 hours. He also allowed the continuation of the prosecution’s witness testimony, noting the travel arrangements made by the witness.

The prosecution subsequently called its next witness, Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative, who provided evidence of multiple cash deliveries allegedly linked to Emefiele and his associates. Gurumnaan testified that the investigative team interrogated staff from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and other financial institutions connected to the transactions. He presented several WhatsApp exchanges, marked Exhibits P1 to P27, which purportedly documented foreign currency transfers coordinated via the messaging platform.

The court has adjourned further hearings to October 8 and 9, 2025, to continue the trial. Emefiele is being prosecuted on 19 counts related to corruption, gratification, and abuse of office, while Omoile faces three counts associated with the unlawful acceptance of gifts. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.