A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has granted former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele’s request to engage independent forensic experts to examine electronic evidence presented against him in his ongoing $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud trial.
The court allowed Emefiele’s legal team to inspect a mobile device marked “iPhone 2” and verify the authenticity of extracted WhatsApp conversations already admitted as exhibits.
The inspection will be conducted in the presence of representatives from all parties, with each side allowed to bring one lawyer and one forensic expert.
A court representative will supervise the process to ensure the integrity of the evidence.
“The defence seeks the court’s leave to call a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device and printed conversations allegedly linked to the defendants” Olalekan Ojo, Emefiele ‘s Lead Counsel told the court.
The court ordered that the chain of custody of Exhibit E (iPhone 2) must be preserved, and the device must remain in the court’s custody at all times.
The forensic examination will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 24 and 26, 2025.
The court has adjourned the matter to October 7, 8, and 9, 2025, for continuation of trial and further hearing.
