The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled December 12, 2024, to hear an application filed by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in response to the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges against him. Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing 26 counts of fraud. The former CBN governor is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the charges, with his defense arguing that certain counts lack constitutional backing and do not constitute offenses under Nigerian law.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), contends that the charges related to the alleged abuse of office are not supported by any existing legal framework in Nigeria. The defense maintains that the first four counts should be dismissed for failing to meet constitutional requirements. Although the trial was initially set to proceed before addressing the jurisdictional objection, the Court of Appeal intervened on November 29, 2024, directing that the lower court first resolve Emefiele’s challenge before continuing with the trial.
During the court session on Tuesday, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presented a certified true copy of the appellate court’s ruling and urged the court to proceed with the case. He emphasized that both the prosecution and the defense were prepared to move forward without further delay.
However, Emefiele’s counsel requested more time to review the appellate court’s decision and adequately prepare for the hearing. Justice Rahman Oshodi, after considering both parties’ positions, adjourned the matter to December 12, 2024, for the hearing of Emefiele’s objection
The case continues to draw significant attention as Emefiele seeks to challenge the charges brought against him in connection with his tenure as CBN governor.
