The Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled December 12 to hear an application filed by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction in his ongoing trial.
Emefiele is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged abuse of office and fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also charged with unlawfully accepting gifts in a related matter.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the Court of Appeal had ruled on November 29, directing the lower court to hear and decide Emefiele’s jurisdictional application before proceeding with the trial.
Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, acknowledged receipt of the appellate court’s ruling but expressed surprise when the prosecution presented a certified copy of the decision. He requested an adjournment to allow the defense to formally present their application. Oyedepo countered, urging compliance with the appellate court’s directive without delay.
Justice Rahman Oshodi subsequently adjourned the matter to December 12 for a hearing of Emefiele’s application.
The defense maintains that the charges against Emefiele are unconstitutional, arguing that counts one to four of the 26 charges lack a legal basis under Nigerian law. Ojo asserted that the alleged acts, described as abuse of office, do not constitute offenses under Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
At the previous hearing, a former personal assistant to Emefiele testified, alleging he collected $400,000 on behalf of the former CBN governor.
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