The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled January 7, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the preliminary objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, regarding the fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, face a 26-count charge, including allegations of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud. The case is being presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi.
At Thursday’s hearing, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), challenged the court’s territorial jurisdiction. He argued that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, were committed outside Lagos State, making the Ikeja Special Offences Court an improper venue.
Ojo further contended that the charges breached Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the alleged acts were not legally recognized as offences. He also argued that Section 73 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2011 was inapplicable, as it falls under matters exclusive to federal legislative jurisdiction.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered the objections, asserting that the court had jurisdiction since the offences were economic crimes within the EFCC’s mandate. He maintained that evidence and witness testimonies confirmed Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial, adding that the defence’s claims lacked factual basis.
Justice Oshodi, after hearing arguments from both parties, adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the objection.
