At the resumed hearing of the trial of the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, his lead counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, has asked the presiding Justice Rahman Oshodi to recuse himself from further hearing of the matter on the grounds of bias.
During the proceedings and in the course of examination in chief a witness, Justice Oshodi stated clearly and in the open court that the allegation of receiving bribe money had been proved against the erstwhile governor.
This was done while the prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was leading the witness, Mr Adetola John, in his evidence in chief.
The objection of the defence team was based on the fact that such statements from the trial judge when the matter had not been concluded, and when in fact, cross examination had not commenced on this witness clearly showd that the judge had made up his mind to convict the former Governor.
According to Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN , “this court has granted an accelerated hearing on this matter, but what we are witnessing is an accelerated sentencing.”
Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, also vehemently spoke against the continued hearing of the matter by Justice Oshodi on the same grounds that, having stated that allegation of collection of bribe money had been proved against the defendant showed that the defendant was already convicted even before the full hearing of the matter.
The court, therefore, adjourned the ruling of the application to recuse himself to February 26, 2025.
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