Connect with us

society

Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

Published

on

Court Dismisses Emefiele's Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

 

The Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed an application filed by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed the court’s jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, the judge struck out four of the 26 charges filed by the EFCC, citing a lack of jurisdiction over those counts.

Court Ruling

Justice Oshodi clarified the decision, stating:
“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.”

Regarding the remaining counts, the judge ruled that the court had sufficient jurisdiction to proceed.
“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,” he said.

The trial was subsequently adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for continuation.

Background of the Case

The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, including abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. The allegations center on economic and financial crimes, which the EFCC asserts fall squarely within its jurisdiction.

At the last court hearing on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the Lagos Special Offences Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. He contended that the alleged offences were not recognized under Nigerian law and fell outside the territorial reach of the court.

Ojo further argued that the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List. As a result, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, could not be applied extraterritorially to the alleged offences committed by Emefiele.

EFCC’s Counterarguments

In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the court had jurisdiction, emphasizing that the charges involved economic and financial crimes within Lagos State.

Oyedepo argued that evidence and witness testimonies indicated that the alleged offences occurred within Lagos, making it the appropriate venue for the trial. He further dismissed the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team as lacking factual or evidential merit.

Timeline and Adjournments

The ruling on the jurisdictional challenge was initially scheduled for January 7, 2025, but was delayed until January 8, 2025. With the jurisdictional issue now resolved, the court has set the trial for continuation in late February.

Implications

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, paving the way for substantive hearings on the remaining charges. The EFCC’s prosecution team has expressed readiness to proceed, while Emefiele’s defense is expected to continue its legal battle.

The trial is closely watched, as it involves one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s financial sector, with far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

on

 

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

Continue Reading

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

on

 

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

Continue Reading

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

on

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending