Court dismisses Emefiele’s application challenging jurisdiction in alleged fraud trial - Ripples Nigeria
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Court dismisses Emefiele’s application challenging jurisdiction in alleged fraud trial

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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Wednesday dismissed the application filed by the ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear his case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Emefiele on a 26-count charge of fraud, alleged and misuse of office which resulted in $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion losses.

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is standing trial for unlawful acceptance of gifts.

The judge in his ruling held that the court had jurisdiction to try Emefiele on the charge, citing relevant authorities.

He, therefore, dismissed the ex-CBN governor’s application and held that EFCC had established a territorial jurisdiction on counts eight to 26 with various facts in the proof of evidence attached to the case file.

Justice Oshodi, however, struck out counts one to four of the charge which bothered on abuse of office.

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He said that the allocation of foreign exchange without bid which was listed on counts one to four was not punishable under the law.

Oshodi said: “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.

“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over count eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.

“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”

The judge, thereafter, held that the case should proceed to trial and adjourned till February 24 for continuation of trial.

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