By Comfort Olayinka
In a dramatic turn of events at the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Olalekan Ojo and Kazeem Gbadamosi, have called for the recusal of Justice Abdulrahman Oshodi, accusing him of bias.
The legal heavyweights, representing Emefiele, argue that Justice Oshodi’s actions during the proceedings show a clear predisposition against the former CBN chief.
The controversy stemmed from a statement made by Justice Oshodi during the examination-in-chief of a key witness, Adetola John, by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo.
In open court, the judge remarked that the allegations of Emefiele accepting bribes had been “proven,” even though cross-examination of the witness had not yet occurred. The defense team strongly objected, claiming that such remarks indicated the judge had prematurely concluded the case.
In response, Olalekan Ojo SAN filed an application requesting that Justice Oshodi step down from the trial, asserting that the comments had undermined the fairness of the proceedings.
Justice Oshodi has scheduled a ruling on the application for February 26. The case continues to attract attention as the legal battle intensifies over questions of judicial impartiality.
According to Ojo , “this court has granted an accelerated hearing on this matter but what we are witnessing is an accelerated sentencing”.
Also, Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi SAN, also vehemently spoke against the continued hearing of the matter by Justice Oshodi on the same ground that, having stated that allegation of collection of bribe money has been proven against the defendant shows that the defendant is already convicted even before the full hearing of the matter.
He demanded that the Judge should step down from further trial of the charges.
Meanwhile, Justice Oshodi has fixed ruling for February 26 in the application asking him to recuse himself in the trial of Emefiele.
