Court rules on jurisdiction in former CBN Gov. Emefiele’s trial, strikes out 4 counts

The charges include accepting gratification, making corrupt demands, and receiving property obtained through fraudulent means.

Channels Television reported that the court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, ruled on Wednesday that it has jurisdiction to hear counts 8 to 20 of the 26-count charge brought against Emefiele by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

These counts pertain to allegations of accepting gratification, making corrupt demands, and receiving fraudulently obtained property.

On April 8, 2024, Emefiele was arraigned by the EFCC on a 26-count charge, including alleged abuse of office and irregular allocation of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. Specific charges include:

“The former CBN Governor was specifically mentioned in counts 1 to 4 as well as counts 8 to 26 bordering on alleged abuse of office, contrary to and punishable under Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011; accepting gratification, contrary and punishable under Section 8 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000; corrupt demand, contrary and punishable under Section 10 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000; receiving property fraudulently obtained, contrary to and punishable under Section 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011; and conferring corrupt advantage, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000,” Channels Television reported.

Justice Oshodi ruled that while counts 1 to 4 alleged abuse of office, the specific conduct (allocation of foreign exchange without a bid) is not defined as an offence under any written law. Consequently, these counts were struck out.

The court has adjourned the case to February 24 and 26, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.