An Ikeja Special Offences Court has dismissed an application by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele challenging its jurisdiction to hear the $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele faces a 26-count charge, alleging abuse of office and economic crimes.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also charged with related offences, including unlawful acceptance of gifts.
Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the court has jurisdiction over counts eight to 26, citing relevant legal authorities and evidence presented in the case file.
However, the court struck out counts one to four, which centered on abuse of office through the allocation of foreign exchange without bidding, noting that such actions are not punishable under Nigerian law.
The judge adjourned the trial to February 24, 2025, for continuation. Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, claiming the alleged offences occurred outside Lagos and violated Section 36(12) of the Constitution. In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) emphasized that the economic and financial nature of the alleged offences made Lagos the appropriate venue for the trial.
