The forensic analysis of a mobile phone considered crucial to the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was on Tuesday halted following a disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence team.During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the EFCC sought to conduct a forensic examination of the device, which it claimed contains key evidence linking Emefiele to the alleged financial crimes.
However, the defence objected, arguing that the procedure should only proceed in the presence of all parties to ensure transparency.Emefiele’s counsel maintained that the prosecution’s attempt to carry out the test without a mutually agreed framework could compromise the integrity of the process.
The EFCC’s legal team, on the other hand, insisted that the agency had the legal mandate to examine evidence already admitted in court custody.The dispute forced the presiding judge to adjourn the matter, urging both parties to reach a consensus on the terms for conducting the forensic analysis.Emefiele, who served as CBN governor from 2014 to 2023, is facing trial over alleged misuse of funds amounting to $4.5 billion during his tenure — charges he has consistently denied.