Court to decide on jurisdictional objections in Emefiele’s $4.5bn fraud trial as Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts face scrutiny.
On December 12, 2024, the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja announced January 7, 2025, as the date for its ruling on the jurisdictional challenge raised by Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over fraud charges totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing 26 counts brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Emefiele’s legal counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), contested the Lagos court’s territorial jurisdiction, asserting that the alleged crimes were committed outside its boundaries. Ojo argued that:
“The charges violate Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution,” claiming that the accusations were not legally recognized offenses under the law.
Ojo further contended that Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 does not apply to matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, emphasizing that the Lagos State House of Assembly lacked jurisdiction to legislate on such offenses. He urged the court to strike out the first four counts of the amended charges filed on April 4, 2024, on jurisdictional grounds.
EFCC’s Counterarguments
In defense, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asserted that the charges fell squarely within the commission’s jurisdiction over economic and financial crimes. Oyedepo maintained that Lagos was a valid venue for the trial, arguing:
“Evidence and testimonies point to Lagos as the proper venue for this case.”
Oyedepo dismissed the objections raised by Emefiele’s team, stating that their claims lacked factual and evidentiary basis.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the proceedings, setting January 7, 2025, as the date for a decisive ruling on the jurisdictional challenge. This ruling will determine whether the case proceeds in Lagos or is transferred to another jurisdiction as requested by Emefiele’s defense.
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