The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled a ruling for January 7, 2025, on an objection raised by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele concerning fraud charges amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion, filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Emefiele, alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile, faces 26 counts in total as presented by the EFCC before Justice Rahman Oshodi. During a hearing on Thursday, Emefiele's attorney, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to adjudicate the case in Lagos.

He claimed that the alleged offenses, including abuse of office, occurred outside the court's jurisdiction.

Ojo further contended that the charges contravened Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the actions in question were not recognized as legal offenses.

He also stated that the Lagos State House of Assembly does not possess legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, rendering Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 irrelevant to this case. Ojo requested that counts one to four of the amended charge sheet filed on April 4, 2024, be dismissed due to jurisdictional issues.

In response, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) defended the court's authority to hear the case, asserting that the charges fall within its jurisdiction as economic and financial crimes. He presented evidence indicating that the alleged offenses took place within Lagos, supported by witness testimonies.

After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Oshodi adjourned proceedings until January 7, 2025, when he will deliver a ruling on Emefiele's objection.