The Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling on Wednesday, held that the court had the jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.
However, the judge struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the EFCC against the defendants for lack of jurisdiction.
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Justice Oshodi 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 judge also stated, “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 arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, bordering on abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5bn and N2.8bn.
The case has been adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
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