The Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed an application by the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to challenge the court’s authority to preside over charges of fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the charges, accusing Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, of abuse of office and illegal allocation of funds.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Rahman Oshodi confirmed that the court has jurisdiction to hear most of the charges.
He explained: “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.
“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.
“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”
The EFCC had earlier presented arguments asserting Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial, citing evidence and witness testimonies.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo argued that the charges were economic and financial in nature, aligning with the agency’s mandate. He added that substantial evidence linked the alleged offenses to Lagos.
Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had challenged the court’s territorial jurisdiction. They argued that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution and fell outside the legal framework of Lagos State.
Ojo also claimed the Lagos State House of Assembly lacked the authority to legislate on matters listed under the Exclusive Legislative List.
After hearing both sides, Justice Oshodi postponed the trial’s continuation to February 24 and 26, 2025.
