The Lagos State Special Offences Court on Wednesday dismissed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, challenging its jurisdiction to hear $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges against him. Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the court had jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, but struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for lack of jurisdiction.

“Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out,” Justice Oshodi stated. However, he added, “The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed. The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”

The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, alleging abuse of office and illegal allocation of funds. His counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the charges were outside the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that “the alleged offences are not legally recognised under Nigerian law” and that the Lagos State House of Assembly lacks authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List.

In response, EFCC counsel Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) maintained that Lagos was the appropriate venue, arguing, “The subject matter of the charges clearly fell within the court’s jurisdiction since the offences were committed within its territorial reach.”

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