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Emefiele loses bid to stop $4.5bn, N2.8bn fraud trial

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The Lagos State Special Offences Court, on Wednesday, dismissed an application filed by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the court had the jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.

The judge, however, struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the EFCC against the defendants for lack of jurisdiction.

Justice Oshodi explained: “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.

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“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.

“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”

The judge subsequently adjourned the case for trial continuation on February 24, 2025.

The EFCC had arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, bordering on abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5bn and N2.8bn.

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At the last adjourned date on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.

Ojo contended that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, fell outside the territorial reach of the Lagos Special Offences Court.

He also argued that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian constitution, asserting that the alleged offences were not legally recognised under Nigerian law.

Furthermore, Ojo emphasised that since the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, cannot apply extraterritorially to the alleged abuse of office by Emefiele.

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Ojo added that a court’s territorial jurisdiction is limited to the geographical area within which its authority can be exercised and urged the court to strike out counts one to four of the amended charges filed by the EFCC on April 4, 2024.

In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), argued that the court had the authority to hear the case.

Oyedepo contended that the alleged crimes were economic and financial in nature, falling within the EFCC’s jurisdiction.

He also maintained that substantial evidence supported Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial.

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According to Oyedepo, the subject matter of the charges clearly fell within the court’s jurisdiction since the offences were committed within its territorial reach.

He noted that evidence and witness testimonies pointed to Lagos as the proper location for the trial and argued that the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team lacked factual or evidential support.

Following the arguments, Justice Oshodi initially adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the application challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

However, the ruling was not ready on that date, prompting an adjournment to Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

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The case has now been adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for the continuation of trial.

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Reps Raises Alarm Over Poor Capital Budget Implementation

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the low implementation rate of the capital component of the 2024 budget.

Thr Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC),  Rep. Bamidele Salam, during an interactive session with the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shakirat Madein, on Wednesday,  revealed that only 25 percent of the capital budget has been implemented.

The chairman who stated that the underperformance hinders economic growth and development, urged the AGF to expedite the submission of the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statement to the Auditor General in line with constitutional provisions.

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Rep. Salam lamented Nigeria’s lag in timely audit report submissions compared to Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, attributing this to delays in financial statement submissions by the Accountant General’s office.

Addressing revenue leakages, the committee called for stricter measures, including process automation and regular audits of Government-Owned Enterprises. It also instructed the Accountant General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior to resolve issues delaying the automation of revenue collections from foreign missions to enhance transparency.

Rep. Salam disclosed that the 2021 Auditor General’s Report, recently submitted to the National Assembly, would be prioritized once the 2024 Appropriation Bill is passed.

In her remarks, Dr. Madein attributed delays in the consolidated financial statement to inadequate data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but assured that efforts to resolve this are near completion. She pledged to conclude the process within two months.

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The Accountant General also highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance public expenditure management, including a review of the Financial Regulations 2009, which is awaiting Federal Executive Council approval.

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Usman to Morka: “Peter Obi’s life now in your hands, nothing must happen to him

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Senator Nenadi Usman, the Chairperson of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, has issued a stern warning to Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he will be held responsible for any harm that may come to Peter Obi or his associates.

Usman emphasized that Morka’s recent threat against Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, would not be tolerated.

This comes after reports of Obi denying claims of his arrest at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State. Usman maintained that despite Obi’s denial, Morka’s comments on January 5, 2025, directly threatened Obi’s life and were an affront to the democratic process.

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In a statement of condemnation, Usman said, “It is with great concern and a deep sense of responsibility that I condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka during his appearance on national television. His statements not only pose a direct threat to Peter Obi’s life, reputation, and business interests, but they also undermine the fundamental principles of democracy, decency, and responsible political engagement.”

Usman continued, highlighting Obi’s dedication to public service, “Mr. Peter Obi is a man of impeccable character who has devoted his life to serving Nigeria and championing good governance. His commitment to merit, competence, and rule of law is unwavering. To attack him with baseless allegations and threats is a clear indication that the APC cannot engage constructively on the issues that truly matter to Nigerians

She further remarked that such rhetoric has no place in the country’s democracy, as it undermines national unity, discourages productive political discourse, and endangers lives. Usman reminded Morka and the APC leadership that “words have consequences,” and that the Labour Party would hold them accountable for any harm that befalls Obi or his associates.

Senator Usman also called on security agencies to investigate the alleged threat and hold Morka accountable for his remarks. “We urge the security agencies to take swift action to investigate this matter and ensure that individuals who use public platforms to incite violence or issue veiled threats are held responsible. Political leaders must rise above such petty behavior and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.”

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Usman reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering support for Obi, stating, “The Labour Party will not be intimidated by threats. Peter Obi represents hope for the Nigerian people, and we stand firmly by him in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.”

Additionally, Usman demanded a public apology from the APC and a retraction of Morka’s statements. She stressed that any failure to do so would imply tacit approval of such reckless behavior. “The APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary. Anything less would be a tacit endorsement of such reckless and dangerous behavior.”

Concluding her statement, Usman reminded political leaders of their responsibility to promote peace, unity, and responsible political dialogue, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by how individuals treat one another, especially in times of disagreement.

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Borno attack: Tinubu mourn slain soldiers, orders probe

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the soldiers who were killed in an attack on an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.

Members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles last Saturday on the base in Sabon Gari in Damboa area of Borno State.

They set fire to the base along with army vehicles, military sources said, on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to speak on the incident.

Fighter jets deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away struck the attackers as they retreated.

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Tinubu in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed his profound sympathy to the military authorities following the loss of six brave soldiers during a dawn terrorist attack on January 4.

He ordered a “thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences.”

“This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security. Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians,” the President was quoted as saying.

I extend heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to our military and security forces on behalf of a grateful nation.

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“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”

The Commander-in-Chief also commended the armed forces for their swift and decisive response, particularly the air component, in launching effective retaliatory strikes.

To Tinubu, the targeted air raids resulted in the significant neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their assets as they attempted to flee.

The President wants the military to proactively take the war to the camps of bandits and terrorists.

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He particularly emphasised the Northwest, where these criminals continue to threaten the lives and homes of innocent villagers.

Tinubu called on Nigerians and the media to support the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in the nation.

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