A Lagos Special Offences Court has dismissed an application filed by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), challenging its jurisdiction in his ongoing trial.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed the court’s authority to hear counts eight to 26 of the charges levelled against Emefiele by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges include allegations of financial misconduct that reportedly led to losses amounting to $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Justice Oshodi stated that the EFCC had demonstrated sufficient territorial jurisdiction through evidence presented, thereby rejecting the defence’s arguments.
“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case,” the judge ruled.
However, the court struck out counts one to four, which alleged abuse of office related to the allocation of foreign exchange without bids.
Justice Oshodi ruled that these counts lacked legal standing, as the alleged actions were not explicitly defined as offences under Nigerian law.
“Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence in any written law.
“The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out,” Oshodi stated.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, face a total of 26 charges.
Omoile is accused of related offences, including the unlawful acceptance of gifts.
Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the alleged crimes occurred outside Lagos, rendering the court’s jurisdiction invalid.
Additionally, he claimed that counts one to four violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, as they were not legally recognized offences.
The EFCC, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered that the economic and financial nature of the offences fell under its purview.
Oyedepo presented evidence and witness testimonies establishing Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial.
The trial is set to continue on February 24 and 26, 2025.
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