The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Monday granted former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, permission to hire independent forensic experts to examine WhatsApp chats and a mobile device marked “iPhone 2” presented as evidence in his ongoing $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud trial
Justice Rahman Oshodi gave the ruling after Emefiele’s lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), requested leave for a forensic expert to inspect the phone and confirm the authenticity of the WhatsApp messages already admitted as exhibits.
“The defence seeks the court’s leave to call a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device and printed conversations allegedly linked to the defendants,” Ojo told the court.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, face 19 charges including abuse of office, gratification, corruption, and fraudulent property transactions involving $4.5bn and N2.8bn. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC counsel, Chineye Okezie, opposed the application, insisting the exhibits should remain in court custody until trial ends. She also criticized the defence for not disclosing the name of the forensic lab or the qualifications of those who would handle the phone.
She asked the court to direct the EFCC’s Director of Forensic Department to choose the laboratory, monitor the process, and ensure the chain of custody is maintained.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the defence was entitled to an independent forensic review but ordered safeguards to protect the integrity of the evidence.
He directed that the inspection be carried out on September 24 and 26, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., in the presence of representatives from all parties. Each side is allowed to bring one lawyer and one forensic expert, and a court representative must supervise the exercise.
The judge further ordered that the chain of custody for Exhibit E (iPhone 2) must be preserved and that the device remain in the court’s custody at all times.
The trial was adjourned to October 7 and 8, 2025, for continuation, and October 9, 2025, for further hearing.
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