Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial

Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial

Henry Omoile, the second defendant in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, admitted on Friday that he lied in the statement he gave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He told the court that he wrote what investigators asked him to write rather than the truth, raising questions about the reliability of his previous testimony.

The admission came during a trial‑within‑a‑trial before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. This mini-trial is meant to determine whether Omoile’s statements to EFCC investigators were voluntary or obtained under duress.

Omoile, who is facing three counts of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, told the court that the statements, marked as Exhibits TWT 1–4, did not contain a genuine confession.

“I did not confess in that statement. I lied. EFCC threatened that if I did not write what they wanted, they would charge me to court,” he said.

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During cross-examination, Omoile admitted that he had been read his cautionary rights and had signed the cautionary words before making his statement. He also confirmed that he had discussed with his lawyer the possibility of filing a fundamental human rights enforcement suit and that a motion ex parte had been filed earlier in the day.

Omoile further alleged that the head of the EFCC investigative team, identified as Alvan, told him he could be granted bail or might not be charged if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele. When asked whether he had filed any complaint against EFCC over these alleged threats, Omoile said he had not done so.

The main trial involves Emefiele, who faces 19 counts filed by the EFCC, including receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to April 17, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and defense. The court will then decide whether Omoile’s statements can be admitted as evidence in the main fraud case.

The $4.5 billion alleged misappropriation has drawn national attention, as it raises concerns over governance, financial oversight, and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. Analysts say Omoile’s admission could affect the credibility of key evidence against Emefiele, potentially influencing the outcome of the trial.

Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial