Court adjourns forensic inspection of Emefiele’s phone to January 2026

The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned the forensic inspection of a key digital exhibit in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to January 5 and 8, 2026.

Justice Rahman Oshodi issued the ruling on Friday, following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) insistence that the examination of the device—marked as Exhibit I—must be conducted without internet access.

Exhibit I, identified as Emefiele’s mobile phone, is expected to undergo detailed forensic scrutiny under strict conditions.

The judge directed that the inspection be carried out in the presence of counsel from both the prosecution and defence teams, as well as a certified forensic expert, with the court registrar supervising the process.

He also ordered that the device remain in the custody of the court for the duration of the trial and that screen-mirroring technology be used during the examination.

Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge filed by the EFCC, alleging that he received gratification and made corrupt demands while serving as CBN Governor.

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces a separate three-count charge for allegedly accepting gifts unlawfully in his role as an agent. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

The EFCC has maintained that the forensic inspection of the device is crucial to advancing its case in the alleged $4.5 billion fraud linked to the former apex bank chief.

The matter has been adjourned until early January when the forensic review will continue under the court’s supervision.