The Lagos State Special Offences Court on Wednesday rejected a motion by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to challenge the court’s authority over the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed that the court had jurisdiction to handle the case involving Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, the judge dismissed four out of the 26 charges filed by the EFCC, citing lack of jurisdiction.

“The objection regarding the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 is dismissed. The prosecution has shown adequate territorial nexus in this matter,” the court stated.

The case was adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further proceedings.

Emefiele faces 26 charges related to abuse of office and the illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. At the previous hearing on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s legal team, led by Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the Lagos court had no jurisdiction over the case.

Emefiele, who was suspended as CBN governor on June 14, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to face legal battles.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command over allegations of theft involving missing operational items.

The commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyewale explained that the detentions are part of ongoing efforts by EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to eliminate corrupt practices within the agency.

“The affected officers were arrested last week following directives from the EFCC chairman. They are currently being questioned regarding the theft of operational items they failed to account for. Investigators are making good progress, and those found culpable will face internal disciplinary measures,” he said.

This comes shortly after the EFCC announced the dismissal of 27 officers on Monday as part of its intensified efforts to uphold integrity and combat fraud within its ranks.

According to Oyewale, the dismissed officers were involved in fraudulent activities and professional misconduct in 2024. Their termination was approved by the EFCC chairman based on recommendations from the commission's staff disciplinary committee.

Chairman Olukoyede reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that no officer, regardless of rank, would be exempt from disciplinary action for wrongdoing.