Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele has requested court approval to engage a forensic expert to examine a handset device
used to extract WhatsApp conversations presented as evidence in his ongoing trial for alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.
Emefiele and his co-defendant Henry Omoile face a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering and fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Emefiele of receiving $17.1 million from a businessman through an intermediary, Monday Osazuwa,
as a reward for facilitating foreign exchange allocations from the CBN.
According to EFCC operative Alvan Gurumnaan, between September 2020 and June 2, 2023, Emefiele allegedly received multiple payments totaling $17.1 million via Osazuwa,
with funds delivered to his residence and handed to Omoile.
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During the trial, the EFCC sought to admit WhatsApp printouts of conversations between the businessman and his employer as evidence.
However, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, insisted on inspecting the device personally or through a forensic expert to verify the authenticity of the messages,
questioning whether the printouts genuinely originated from his phone and if the conversations were complete.
Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the defence must file a formal application seeking leave to call a forensic expert to examine the device (an iPhone 2) and printouts.
The court further adjourned further hearing to October 7, 8, and 9, 2025.
Gurumnaan, an Assistant Commander with the EFCC, testified about his involvement in investigations, arrests, and intelligence gathering since joining the agency in 2008.
He also confirmed receiving intelligence reports alleging abuse of office and gratification against Emefiele, prompting investigations and letters to relevant institutions.