The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja will rule on January 7, 2025, regarding the objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the fraud charges against him. Emefiele is facing 26 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including charges of embezzling $4.5bn and N2.8bn. The court’s decision will focus on whether the case should be heard in Lagos, as Emefiele’s defense lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, argues that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter.
During the hearing on Thursday, Ojo argued that the alleged offenses, including abuse of office, were committed outside the court’s jurisdiction in Lagos. He also cited Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the charges did not constitute legally recognized offenses and were beyond the scope of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s authority. Consequently, he asked the court to strike out the charges against Emefiele.
In response, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, countered that the charges fall within the EFCC’s jurisdiction and that there is ample evidence to support Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial. Oyedepo argued that the offenses were indeed committed within the court’s territorial reach, with supporting testimonies and evidence from witnesses.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention, is a high-profile legal battle involving alleged corruption at the highest levels of Nigeria’s financial sector. The ruling on January 7 will determine whether the case proceeds in Lagos or if it will be transferred elsewhere, based on jurisdictional arguments.
