The Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos has rejected the plea of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), contesting the court’s jurisdiction. Emefiele was brought before the court on 26 charges related to misconduct in office.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed these charges, alleging that Emefiele improperly allocated foreign exchange amounting to $2,136,391,737.33 without competitive bidding, which is seen as harmful to the interests of Nigerians.
Throughout the proceedings, Emefiele maintained his innocence and, through his attorney, Olalekan Ojo challenged the court’s authority to address the charges brought by the EFCC.
Ojo requested the dismissal of counts one to four, asserting that the allegations of misconduct in office were not recognized under the law, as outlined by Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
On Wednesday, trial judge Rahman Oshodi determined that the anti-corruption agency had sufficiently established its territorial jurisdiction regarding counts eight to 26, based on various facts included in the evidence provided with the case file. The judge dismissed counts one to four concerning misconduct in office.
Oshodi stated that allocating foreign exchange without a bidding process, which falls under counts one to four, is not considered a punishable offence under the law. He noted that no written law defines such an act as an offence.
“The objection to counts one to four is upheld and is hereby dismissed.
“The objection questioning the court’s territorial jurisdiction concerning counts eight to 26 is rejected and will also be dismissed. The judge ruled.
“The prosecution has demonstrated an adequate territorial connection in this matter.”
Oshodi announced that the trial will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for February 24 and 26, 2025.
