On September 15, 2025, the Lagos High Court (Special Offences Division in Ikeja), presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, granted a request by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, for an independent forensic review of key evidence in his ongoing trial. Emefiele faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. The evidence in question includes WhatsApp conversations and a mobile device labeled “iPhone 2,” which were tendered by the EFCC during the trial.Emefiele’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, had filed the application in June 2025, seeking access to conduct a forensic examination to verify the authenticity and integrity of the digital evidence.

The EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the request, arguing that it was procedurally flawed and lacked merit. Despite this opposition, Justice Oshodi ruled in Emefiele’s favor, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair trial and the defendant’s right to scrutinize evidence presented against him.The court ordered that the forensic inspection be conducted under strict supervision on September 24 and 26, 2025, at the court premises.

Each party, Emefiele’s defense team and the EFCC is permitted to have one lawyer and one forensic expert present during the examination. To maintain the integrity of the evidence, the mobile device will remain in the custody of the court registrar, ensuring an unbroken chain of custody. The court further directed that the forensic experts adhere to professional standards during the process.