The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Lagos State Special Offences Court to dismiss an application by former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele challenging its jurisdiction. EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), argued that the move was an attempt to frustrate the prosecution of financial crimes.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), contended that state high courts lack jurisdiction to try the former governor for alleged abuse of office, citing constitutional and legal grounds. Ojo also described counts one to four of the 26 charges as unconstitutional and urged the court to strike them out.
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Oyedepo, however, maintained that the allegations fall under economic and financial crimes, which the EFCC is empowered to prosecute. He emphasised that the state high court has jurisdiction to hear the charges on their merits.
The court will determine the validity of the arguments in subsequent proceedings.
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