- Justice Rahman Oshodi has set January 7, 2025, to rule on Godwin Emefiele’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction over his case
- Emefiele faces charges of abuse of office and fraud involving $4.5 billion, with arguments presented by both defense and prosecution
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has set January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the application filed by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Emefiele is challenging the court’s jurisdiction to preside over his alleged criminal case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Emefiele on charges of abuse of office and fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces three charges related to the alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Oshodi reserved judgment on the jurisdiction matter. Representing the defence, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) argued that the court lacked jurisdiction as the alleged offences occurred outside Lagos State.
He emphasized that the charges, including abuse of office, violated Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which mandates that law clearly defines offences.
Ojo also pointed out that the Lagos State House of Assembly has no authority over issues in the Exclusive Legislative List. He argued that Section 73 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011, under which several counts were filed, cannot apply to actions outside the state’s territorial jurisdiction.
Ojo urged the court to strike out counts one to four of the 18 amended charges, asserting that they fall outside its scope.
In response, EFCC counsel Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) contended that the court has jurisdiction because the alleged crimes involve economic and financial matters under the EFCC’s purview.
The ruling on the application is expected to provide clarity on whether the case will proceed in Lagos.
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