The Emefiele trial took another significant turn on Friday, November 13, after the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja admitted a certified copy of a Supreme Court judgment concerning the forfeiture of seven properties, $2.045 million and share certificates linked to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the document as Exhibit L following an application by the prosecution, which sought to present the apex court’s earlier decision as part of the evidence in the ongoing criminal proceedings. The development attracted attention because the judgment relates to assets previously ordered forfeited to the Federal Government, while Emefiele continues to face separate allegations involving financial transactions valued at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
The decision followed objections from the defence lawyers, who challenged the admissibility of the document and questioned whether the prosecution could introduce a judgment from separate forfeiture proceedings into the current criminal case.
However, the court dismissed the objections, ruling that a certified true copy of a Supreme Court judgment qualifies as a public document under the Evidence Act and can therefore be admitted in evidence.
Emefiele Trial: Court Rejects Defence Objections to Judgment
During Friday’s proceedings, counsel to Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, opposed the prosecution’s request to tender the Supreme Court judgment, arguing that the document should not be admitted because it originated from separate forfeiture proceedings rather than the criminal charges currently before the court.
The defence also raised concerns about the presentation of only the lead judgment, questioning whether the document could be considered complete without the other justices’ opinions. Counsel to the second defendant, Henry Omoile, also supported the objections and argued against its admission.
In response, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, maintained that the document satisfied the legal requirements for public records under Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act. He argued that its status as a certified court judgment made it admissible, while questions about how the prosecution might eventually use it should not determine whether the court could receive it.
Justice Oshodi agreed with the prosecution’s position and ruled that presenting only the lead judgment did not automatically make the document incomplete or inadmissible. He also noted that the defence had received the document before the proceedings, satisfying the requirement for service.
Nevertheless, the judge made an important clarification about the limits of its use in the ongoing trial.
He explained that the Supreme Court judgment could only establish what the apex court decided in the earlier forfeiture case. It could not be used as evidence for or against Emefiele or Omoile in determining their criminal responsibility.
Supreme Court Judgment Covers Seven Properties and $2.045 Million
The document admitted by the Lagos court relates to a Supreme Court decision delivered on July 17, 2026, which restored a Federal High Court order directing the final forfeiture of assets linked to the former CBN governor.
The apex court overturned an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had set aside the forfeiture order made by the Federal High Court on November 1, 2024, following proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The assets covered by the order include seven properties located in Lagos and Delta states, $2.045 million and share certificates belonging to Queensdorf Global Fund Limited.
Among the properties are buildings in Lekki Phase 1 and Ikoyi, Lagos, as well as an industrial complex under construction on 22 plots of land in Agbor, Delta State. Other properties include residential apartments and duplexes located in different parts of Ikoyi.
The forfeiture proceedings were separate from the criminal trial currently before Justice Oshodi, although both matters concern assets and allegations associated with Emefiele.
Emefiele and Co-Defendant Still Face Criminal Charges
Meanwhile, the former CBN governor remains on trial over a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged gratification, corrupt demands and abuse of office during his tenure at the apex bank.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing three additional counts relating to the alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution is expected to establish its allegations through witness testimony and documentary evidence, while the defence continues to challenge the evidence presented against the defendants.
Although Friday’s ruling allows the prosecution to place the Supreme Court judgment before the court, it does not amount to a criminal conviction or establish that Emefiele committed the offences alleged against him.
The distinction remains important as the trial continues, particularly because the judge expressly restricted the document to showing the outcome of the earlier forfeiture proceedings rather than proving criminal guilt.
The case therefore remains ongoing, with the prosecution still required to establish its allegations through the proper legal process.