The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has set January 7, 2025, to rule on the objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, regarding the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele, along with his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces 26 counts of alleged fraud, including abuse of office, brought before Justice Rahman Oshodi. At the hearing on Thursday, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), contended that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos. He argued that the alleged offences were committed outside the jurisdiction of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, and that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Ojo further asserted that the actions attributed to Emefiele were not legally recognized offences and that the Lagos State House of Assembly did not have authority over matters listed under the Exclusive Legislative List. He called for the dismissal of counts one to four of the amended charge sheet, filed on April 4, 2024, claiming that the alleged crimes occurred outside the court’s jurisdiction.
In response, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), defended the court’s authority, arguing that the charges fell under the EFCC’s jurisdiction as economic and financial crimes. He emphasized that evidence and witness testimonies confirm that the offences were committed within Lagos, making the court the appropriate venue for the trial. Oyedepo maintained that the defence’s objections were not backed by factual or evidentiary support.
After hearing both sides, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the objection.
