The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had on Monday, challenged the rule of an Ikeja Special Offences Court to hear the purported abuse of office and multi billion dollars fraud charged against him.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, had reported that Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, along with other counsel, had appeared for Emefiele while Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, appeared for the former CBN governor co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoil.
Ojo’s motion on notice dated April 24, argued that the court lacked the constitutional authority to hear the charge against Emefiele.
Ojo had said:
“There is need to consider jurisdictional objections before allowing this case.“This defendant ought not to be arraigned before this court on constitutional grounds.
“We are saying that charges against the first defendant are unconstitutional.
“I urge your lordship to toe the part of legality and constitutionality to determine this application.”
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, counsel led by Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had urged the court to waive the application of the first defendant counsel, as it was a course to hold up justice.
In summary, Emefiele’s move to challenge the jurisdiction of the court amidst allegations of abuse of office and multi-billion dollar fraud is looking to be a strategic legal maneuver.
While his legal team argues that the court lacks constitutional jurisdiction, the EFCC is contending that this is merely an attempt to delay serving justice.
In conclusion, the situation underscores the contentious nature of the case, with both sides employing legal tactics to advance their respective agendas.
