A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday struck out four counts of alleged abuse of office charges against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the ruling during Emefiele’s preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction over a 26-count charge, including a $2.1 billion fraud allegation.
Justice Oshodi ruled that the allegations in counts 1 to 4, which centred on the allocation of foreign exchange without bids, were not offences under Nigerian law.
He stated, “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence in any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.”
However, the court maintained jurisdiction over the remaining charges, citing statutory and constitutional provisions. The EFCC had alleged various infractions in counts 8 to 26, including fraud and abuse of office.
Justice Oshodi dismissed Emefiele’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction, holding that the EFCC had sufficiently established territorial jurisdiction based on evidence in the case file.
“The EFCC has provided various facts in the proof of evidence attached to the case file to establish jurisdiction on counts eight to 26,” the judge stated.
Justice Oshodi ordered the trial to proceed and adjourned the case to February 24 for continuation.
The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving the former central bank governor, who has faced multiple allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
