The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja to dismiss an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, which challenges the court’s jurisdiction.
During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) argued that the application lacked merit and was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the prosecution of economic and financial crimes.
Oyedepo maintained that the court has the legal authority to hear and determine the charges against Emefiele.
Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court does not have jurisdiction over the case.
He claimed that charges one to four of the 26-count indictment are unconstitutional, as they are not founded on existing Nigerian laws.
Ojo further asserted that Emefiele, in his capacity as CBN Governor at the time of the alleged offences, cannot be tried for abuse of office in a state high court, as the charges involve significant constitutional questions.
He urged the court to strike out the charges for lack of jurisdiction.
Oyedepo countered that the allegations, which include accepting gratification, corruption, and conferring undue advantages, are economic crimes that fall squarely within the EFCC’s mandate.
He argued that Lagos State is the appropriate venue for the trial since the alleged offences occurred there.
“The application is a ploy to frustrate the prosecution,” Oyedepo said, urging the court to assume jurisdiction and dismiss Emefiele’s objections.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Oshodi reserved his ruling for January 7, 2025.
Emefiele was arraigned alongside Herry Omoile by the EFCC on charges including accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property dealings.
The prosecution alleges that Emefiele conferred undue advantages on associates, in violation of the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000.
The case continues to attract significant public interest, given Emefiele’s role as a former top official in Nigeria’s financial system.