$4.5 Billion Fraud: EFCC Denies Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele’s Application Citing Court Jurisdiction
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, has scheduled January 7, 2025, to rule on the objection raised by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele regarding the $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court to dismiss an application by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele challenging the court’s jurisdiction in a $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud case.
The court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has set January 7, 2025, to decide on the objection raised by Emefiele. The EFCC, represented by counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, described the application as an attempt to hinder the prosecution’s constitutional mandate to address financial crimes.
Oyedepo argued that the Lagos State High Court has “unfettered jurisdiction” to hear the case, contrary to the claims of Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN. Ojo maintained that the court lacks the authority to try Emefiele for alleged abuse of office, asserting that the first four counts of the 26-count charge against him are unconstitutional and not supported by Nigerian law.
Ojo further argued that allegations related to Emefiele’s tenure as CBN Governor, including abuse of office, cannot be prosecuted at the state high court and called for the charges to be struck out.
In response, Oyedepo contended that the charges fall under the EFCC’s jurisdiction as economic and financial offences and noted that the alleged crimes occurred in Lagos State, making it the appropriate venue for the trial.
Justice Oshodi will rule on the jurisdiction objection in early January, while Emefiele and co-defendant Herry Omoile have pleaded not guilty to charges of gratification, corruption, and fraudulent property transactions. The EFCC accuses them of violating the Corrupt Practices Act 2000 by conferring corrupt benefits on associates.
Source: Sahara Reporters
