08
Jan
Jan
EMEFIELE LOSES BID TO STOP TRIAL AS COURT AFFIRMS JURISDICTION
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Nicolas Adekeye / 2 weeks
- 0
- 2 min read
Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), suffered a setback yesterday as Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court dismissed his application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try him on charges of abuse of office. Emefiele is accused of misusing his position to the tune of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the court has jurisdiction to try Emefiele on the charge, adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a territorial jurisdiction on counts eight to 26 with facts in the proof of evidence attached to the case file. However, the court struck out counts one to four of the charge, which bordered on abuse of office. Emefiele, who served as the CBN Governor from 2014 to 2023, has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office. He is currently facing multiple charges, including a 20-count amended charge bordering on conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of $6,230,000. In July 2024, an Abuja court dismissed Emefiele’s application to travel to the UK for medical treatment, citing concerns that he might jump bail. With yesterday’s ruling, Emefiele’s bid to stop his trial has been rejected, paving the way for the continuation of his trial.