In a landmark ruling, a Lagos High Court struck out four counts of abuse of office against Godwin Emefiele, former CBN Governor, while affirming jurisdiction over other charges in the alleged $2.1 billion fraud case. READ DETAILED REASON BELOW;
The Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, has struck out four charges of alleged abuse of office against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. These charges were part of a 26-count case involving alleged mismanagement of $2.1 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi upheld Emefiele’s preliminary objection, stating that the allocation of foreign exchange without a bidding process, as cited in counts 1 to 4, is not classified as an offense under Nigerian law.
“Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offense in any written law,” Justice Oshodi declared, striking out the related charges.
While dismissing the first four charges, the court affirmed its jurisdiction over the remaining allegations, from count 8 to 26. Justice Oshodi noted that the EFCC had provided sufficient evidence to establish territorial jurisdiction in those charges, as required by constitutional and statutory provisions.
The judge dismissed Emefiele’s broader application challenging the court’s authority, clearing the path for the trial to proceed on the other counts.
The EFCC has accused Emefiele of engaging in corrupt practices during his tenure as CBN Governor. These allegations include financial mismanagement, embezzlement, and abuse of public trust in the handling of government funds.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to February 24, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
This ruling has drawn significant attention due to its implications for Nigeria’s judicial system and accountability in public service. Observers believe the case could set a precedent for how similar corruption allegations are handled in the future.
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