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.