A defence lawyer told the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission tried to pressure his client, Henry Omoile, to give statements implicating former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
Testifying during a trial-within-a-trial ordered by Justice Rahman Oshodi, Nnamdi Offial said the EFCC allegedly dangled incentives before Omoile, including the possibility of bail and leniency, in exchange for incriminating evidence against Emefiele.
Emefiele and Omoile are currently standing trial over allegations of gratification, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property, as well as conferring undue advantages on associates under the Corrupt Practices Act 2000. Both defendants have denied the charges.
Offial told the court that during interrogation, EFCC officials controlled the process in a rigid question-and-answer format and prevented his client from recording responses that did not suit their preferred narrative. He said he repeatedly objected to the manner of questioning.
He also narrated that after an interrogation session on February 26, 2024, EFCC officers informed him that Omoile would remain in custody. The next day, he discovered that his client was being questioned in his absence, which he challenged.
According to Offial, an officer identified as David confronted him over his interference and later had him escorted out. He said he was asked to wait while the interrogation continued.
He added that he was only allowed to see Omoile again around 8pm, when the defendant was returned to detention. He said he later sought administrative bail after being told that Omoile had refused to cooperate.
Offial disclosed that Omoile was detained for 21 days, leading him to file a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Muslim Hamza later granted bail but ordered that Omoile remain at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending fulfillment of bail conditions.
Under cross-examination, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo acknowledged that Omoile was cautioned in Offial’s presence and that the defence lawyer participated in taking the statement.
Offial admitted that he did not formally petition the EFCC over the alleged misconduct and conceded that the Federal High Court did not condemn the agency’s conduct in its ruling.
Justice Oshodi adjourned proceedings to January 16, 2026, for continuation of the trial-within-a-trial.
