The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged a Lagos court to dismiss an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, challenging its jurisdiction.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Herry Omoile, face a 26-count charge, including corruption, gratification, and fraudulent property acquisition. They have pleaded not guilty.
Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the charges were unconstitutional and beyond the court’s remit, contending that alleged abuses of office by the CBN governor should be tried in a federal court.
The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered that the court has jurisdiction, as the crimes allegedly occurred in Lagos. He described the application as a tactic to delay justice.
Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the case to January 7 for a ruling on the application. The EFCC maintains that the charges fall under its mandate, emphasizing its commitment to prosecuting economic crimes.
