The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has set January 7, 2025, to decide on the objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, regarding the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele, along with his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing 26 counts filed by the EFCC before Justice Rahman Oshodi.
At Thursday’s hearing, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.
Ojo maintained that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, were committed outside the jurisdiction of the Ikeja Special Offences Court. He also argued that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the alleged actions were not legally recognised offences.
In response, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), defended the court’s authority to preside over the case. He argued that the charges were economic and financial crimes within the EFCC’s jurisdiction and that evidence supported Lagos as the proper venue for the trial.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the objection.
