EFCC Seeks Dismissal Of Emefiele’s Jurisdiction Challenge In Court

EFCC Seeks Dismissal Of Emefiele’s Jurisdiction Challenge In CourtThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja to dismiss an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rotimi Oyedepo, described the application as an attempt to hinder the prosecution of economic and financial crimes, and prevent the agency from fulfilling its constitutional duties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oyedepo argued that the state high court has full jurisdiction to hear and determine the charges against Emefiele, countering the position of Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), who had contended that the court lacked authority over the matter. Ojo’s application challenged the court’s jurisdiction, claiming that Emefiele could not be prosecuted in any state high court for alleged abuse of office, citing constitutional and legal concerns.

Ojo also argued that the first four of the 26 charges against Emefiele were unconstitutional, claiming they did not align with any existing Nigerian laws. He maintained that the court had no jurisdiction to address the alleged abuse of office related to Emefiele’s tenure as CBN Governor, and called for the charges to be dismissed on those grounds.

In response, Oyedepo emphasized that the charges against Emefiele are economic and financial in nature, which fall under the EFCC’s purview. He further stated that the offences occurred in Lagos State, making it the appropriate jurisdiction for the trial. Oyedepo urged the court to dismiss the jurisdictional challenge and proceed with the case.

Justice Oshodi has scheduled a ruling on the matter for January 7, 2025.

The EFCC has charged Emefiele, alongside Herry Omoile, with bribery, receiving gifts through intermediaries, corruption, and fraudulent property documentation. The agency also claims Emefiele provided corrupt advantages to his associates, violating the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.