Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, objected on Monday to the jurisdiction of the Ikeja Special Offences Court in hearing the allegations of abuse of office and multibillion-dollar fraud against him.
Represented by Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Emefiele contested the court’s authority alongside co-defendant Henry Isioma-Omoil, with Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, as their legal counsel.
In a motion dated April 24, Ojo argued that the court was not constitutionally empowered to preside over the charges against Emefiele.
He emphasized, “Before proceeding with this case, it is imperative to address jurisdictional issues.
“The first defendant should not be brought before this court based on constitutional principles.
“The allegations against the first defendant are, in essence, unconstitutional.
“I implore your honor to uphold the standards of legality and constitutionality in considering this motion.”
The counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, countered by urging the court to reject the application of Emefiele’s legal team, arguing that it was a tactic to obstruct the course of justice.