The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has set January 7, 2025, to rule on the jurisdictional challenge raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele in a case involving allegations of fraud amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
According to The PUNCH, Emefiele and his co-accused, Henry Omoile, face a 26-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Rahman Oshodi.
During the hearing, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court in Lagos lacked the authority to hear the case, stating that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, occurred outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction.
“The alleged acts do not fall within Lagos State and therefore do not come under the jurisdiction of this court,” Ojo said.
He added that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires that actions be legally recognized as offences under Nigerian law.
Ojo further contended that the Lagos State House of Assembly had no legislative power over issues in the Exclusive Legislative List. As a result, he argued, Section 73 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2011 could not be applied.
He requested that the court strike out counts one to four of the amended charge sheet filed on April 4, 2024.
However, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) maintained that the court was the appropriate venue for the case. He stated that the charges involved economic and financial crimes that fall under the EFCC’s jurisdiction.
“The offences were committed within Lagos State, as confirmed by the evidence and witness testimonies,” Oyedepo argued. He added that the objections raised by the defence were without merit.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a decision on the objection.
