The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled January 7, 2025, to deliver a ruling on an objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, concerning fraud charges totaling $4.5bn and N2.8bn. The charges were brought against Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Emefiele and Omoile face 26 counts filed by the EFCC before Justice Rahman Oshodi. At Thursday’s hearing, Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), challenged the court’s territorial jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged offences occurred outside Lagos State.

Defence Argument

Ojo contended that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the alleged actions were not legally recognized offences. He further argued that the Lagos State House of Assembly lacked the legislative authority to enact laws covering matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, making Section 73 of the Lagos Criminal Law 2011 inapplicable.

He specifically requested the court to strike out counts one to four of the amended charge sheet filed on April 4, 2024, emphasizing that the alleged offences fell outside the jurisdiction of the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

EFCC’s Response

In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) maintained that the court had jurisdiction, asserting that the charges were related to economic and financial crimes under the EFCC’s purview. Oyedepo argued that witness testimonies and evidence confirmed Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial, dismissing the defence’s objections as lacking factual and evidentiary support.

Adjournment for Ruling

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the jurisdictional objection.

The case continues to draw significant attention due to its implications for Nigeria’s financial and judicial systems.