Hearing of the trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele continued on Monday, 24 February 2025.
Gatekeepers News reports that lead counsel to the defendant, Mr Olalekan Ojo SAN asked the judge to recuse himself from further hearing of the matter on the grounds of bias.
During the proceedings, and in the course of examination in chief a witness, Justice Oshodi stated clearly and in the open court that the allegation of receiving bribe money has been proven against the erstwhile Governor.
This was done while the prosecution counsel Mr Rotimi OYEDEPO SAN, was leading the witness Mr Adetola John in evidence in chief.
According to the defence team; such statements from the trial judge when the matter had not been concluded cross-examination had not commenced on this witness clearly, show that the judge had made up his mind convicting the former Governor.
Ojo said, “This court has granted an accelerated hearing on this matter but what we are witnessing is an accelerated sentencing.”
Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi SAN, also vehemently spoke against the continued hearing of this matter by Justice Oshodi on the same ground.
He said that the allegation of collection of bribe money has been proven against the defendant shows that the defendant is already convicted even before the full hearing of the matter.
The court therefore adjourned the ruling of the application to recuse himself to February 26, 2025.
