Court To Rule on Emefiele’s Jurisdiction Challenge In $4.5 Billion Corruption Case

The Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, has scheduled January 7, 2025, to rule on an application by Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Emefiele is contesting the court’s jurisdiction over a 26-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege abuse of office involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.

Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also charged with unlawful acceptance of gifts.

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During proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the alleged offences fall outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction, asserting they occurred outside Lagos State. 

He also challenged the legality of some charges, claiming they were not recognized as offences under Nigerian law.

EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) countered, stating that the offences were committed within the court’s jurisdiction and are financial crimes under EFCC’s purview. 

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Oyedepo insisted Lagos is the appropriate venue for the trial, emphasizing that witnesses and evidence are within the court’s territorial scope.

Justice Oshodi will deliver the ruling on the preliminary jurisdictional objection on January 7, 2025.