A defence witness has alleged before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja that investigators from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission attempted to pressure Henry Omoile into making statements that would implicate former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The allegation was made by Nnamdi Offial, counsel to Omoile, while giving evidence in a trial-within-a-trial ordered by Justice Rahman Oshodi. The special proceeding is meant to determine whether statements obtained from Omoile during EFCC interrogation were made voluntarily or under duress.
According to Offial, EFCC officials offered inducements to his client, including promises of bail and possible immunity from prosecution, on the condition that he provided incriminating information against Emefiele. He told the court that the head of the interrogation team assured Omoile that cooperation would lead to leniency.
The defence lawyer further alleged that the interrogation process was tightly controlled, with investigators dictating the direction of answers. He claimed Omoile was prevented from writing responses that did not align with what the investigators expected, despite repeated objections from the defence.
Offial also recounted that after an interrogation session in late February 2024, he was informed his client would remain in custody. The following day, he discovered that Omoile was being questioned in his absence. When he challenged the procedure, a confrontation reportedly ensued, culminating in his removal from the premises by EFCC officers.
Emefiele and Omoile are currently facing multiple charges, including allegations of corruption, accepting gratification, receiving gifts through intermediaries, and fraudulent receipt of property. Prosecutors also accuse them of conferring unlawful benefits on associates, contrary to anti-corruption laws. Both defendants have maintained their innocence and pleaded not guilty.
The court is expected to continue hearing evidence to determine whether Omoile’s statements were obtained freely or influenced by alleged coercion before the main trial proceeds.
