The Lagos State Special Offences Court has scheduled December 12 for the hearing of Godwin Emefiele's application, which challenges the court's jurisdiction to try the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.
Emefiele's lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, argued that his client cannot be tried in a state high court, citing alleged abuse of office, which raises issues of constitutionality and legality. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) countered this argument, urging the court not to defer the trial, citing Section 1 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Initially, the court deferred its ruling on the application until the end of the trial. Dissatisfied with this decision, Emefiele's lawyer appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Appellate Court delivered a ruling on November 29, directing the lower court to hear and determine the application.
At the resumed hearing, the EFCC counsel informed the court of the Appellate Court's ruling. Emefiele's lawyer expressed surprise that the prosecution was tendering a Certified True Copy of the ruling. Justice Rahman Oshodi acknowledged the processes filed by both parties and adjourned the hearing of the application to December 12, as directed by the Appellate Court.