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 Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Emefiele's application contests the court's jurisdiction over his case, which involves serious allegations of economic and financial misconduct.
Representing the EFCC, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo argued that Emefiele's motion is a strategic attempt to derail the prosecution's efforts.
"The state high court possesses unfettered jurisdiction to hear and determine the charges on their merit," Oyedepo asserted, countering claims made by Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, who argued that the court lacks the authority to adjudicate the matter.
Ojo contended that the charges, particularly counts one to four of the 26-count indictment, are unconstitutional and not grounded in existing Nigerian laws. He maintained that Emefiele, accused of abuse of office during his tenure as CBN Governor, cannot be tried in any state high court for such allegations, citing significant constitutional issues.
In response, Oyedepo emphasized the EFCC's statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute economic crimes, showing that the alleged offenses occurred within Lagos State, thus justifying the venue.
"The proper venue where the defendants can be tried for the alleged offences is Lagos State, where all the ingredients of the alleged crimes took place," he stated. Justice Oshodi, after hearing arguments from both sides, scheduled the ruling on the jurisdictional challenge for January 7, 2025.
The case, which also involves co-defendant Herry Omoile, includes charges of accepting gratification, corruption, and fraudulent property receipts. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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