Former Central Bank Governor Emefiele is requesting a forensic examination of WhatsApp conversations in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud case.
The inquiry aims to shed light on the allegations against the accused parties. Emefiele’s pursuit of a meticulous review underscores the commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the trial proceedings.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned ruling on an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking a forensic review of WhatsApp messages tendered as evidence in his ongoing trial for alleged $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud.
Emefiele, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, is challenging the authenticity of the digital messages presented by the prosecution and has asked the court to permit a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device identified as an “iPhone 2” used to extract the messages, as well as the printed chat logs.
Ojo argued that the forensic analysis is necessary to verify the credibility of the evidence, which plays a critical role in the case being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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However, opposing the application, EFCC counsel Chineye Okezie told the court that once such an exhibit has been admitted into evidence, the court assumes custody of the item and it must remain intact until the conclusion of the trial.
Okezie further argued that the defence had not provided adequate details about the forensic process, including the name of the lab, the qualifications of the personnel to conduct the analysis, or the expected duration of the examination.
“The defendants have not offered any options of accredited forensic labs for the court to consider,” Okezie noted, urging the court to allow the EFCC’s Director of Forensics to nominate a suitable laboratory.
She also requested that the court include provisions in its order to maintain a proper chain of custody and that the forensic analysis be conducted in the presence of a qualified representative nominated by the prosecution.
Emefiele is standing trial alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, on a 19-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud, brought against them by the EFCC.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025, for ruling on the application.
