Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court has dismissed the application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the charges of abuse of office amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

In a ruling delivered yesterday, Justice Oshodi affirmed that the court holds the authority to try Emefiele on these charges, dismissing his argument that the court lacked jurisdiction.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought Emefiele to court on charges involving financial misconduct. Justice Oshodi confirmed that the EFCC had established the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26, as detailed in the proof of evidence filed with the case.

However, the court ruled in favor of Emefiele in part, striking out counts one to four of the charge, which focused on abuse of office. These counts, which were central to the EFCC’s case, have now been removed from the charges.

As the trial progresses, Emefiele continues to face significant allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure at the CBN.