EFCC Begs Court To Dismiss Ex-CBN Gov, Emefiele’s Application On Jurisdiction

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested that Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, located in Ikeja, dismiss an application submitted by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, which contests the court’s jurisdiction.

Represented by the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, the anti-graft agency characterized the application as a tactic intended to obstruct the prosecution from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, encompassing the thorough prosecution of economic and financial crimes.

Oyedepo further asserted that the state high court possesses comprehensive jurisdiction to hear and adjudicate the charges based on their merits, countering the claims made by Emefiele’s attorney, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo, who contended that the court lacks the authority to address the matter at hand.

In his application disputing the court’s authority, Ojo argued that Emefiele could not be prosecuted in any state high court in Nigeria for alleged abuse of office, as this presents significant constitutional and legal challenges.

Naijaonpoint reports that the senior counsel also contended that counts one to four of the 26-count charges brought against Emefiele by the EFCC are unconstitutional, as they do not align with any existing laws in Nigeria.

He maintained that the court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate the offence of abuse of office concerning the role of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria that the defendant held during the time of the alleged offences.

Consequently, Ojo urged the court to dismiss the charges against the defendant due to a lack of jurisdiction.

In his statement, Oyedepo contended that the accusations against Emefiele pertain to economic and financial offences, which fall under the jurisdiction of the EFCC, granting them the authority to investigate and prosecute such matters in court.

He further asserted that the appropriate jurisdiction for the trial of the defendants regarding the alleged offences is Lagos State, where all elements of the purported crimes occurred.

Oyedepo requested that the court dismiss the application, questioning its jurisdiction due to a lack of merit and urged the court to take jurisdiction over the case.

After considering all presented arguments, Justice Oshodi scheduled a ruling for January 7, 2025.

Naijaonpoint recalls that the former CBN governor was brought before the court by the EFCC alongside Herry Omoile, facing charges of accepting bribes, receiving gifts through intermediaries, corruption, and fraudulent property documentation.

The anti-corruption agency also alleged that the defendant provided corrupt advantages to his associates in violation of the Corrupt Practices Act 2000.

The defendants, however, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.