Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has rejected a request to step down from the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Delivering his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi held that the allegations of bias raised by the defence were unsubstantiated, stating that there was no evidence to justify his withdrawal from the case.
The defence, led by Olalekan Ojo, had on Monday orally applied for the judge to recuse himself, arguing that his previous rulings suggested a likelihood of bias.
However, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, opposed the application, insisting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly and equitably.
After reviewing the arguments and legal authorities cited, Justice Oshodi ruled that the application lacked merit and subsequently dismissed it.