The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has filed a bail application before the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking self-recognizance bail while awaiting the hearing and determination of charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Mr. Emefiele’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, filed the bail application based on relevant provisions of the constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, and the inherent powers of the court.
The exact date for Mr. Emefiele’s arraignment on the two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition remains uncertain, but it is expected to take place during the annual vacation of the court starting on Monday, July 24, 2023.
The case has been assigned to Justice Nicholas Oweibo, one of the two vacation judges for the court, with the other being Justice Akintayo Aluko.
The suspended CBN governor’s bail application rests on nine grounds, including the argument that the charges against him are bailable. He emphasised his clean record and presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Additionally, Mr. Emefiele stated that granting him bail would allow him ample time and facilities to prepare his defence.
Pointing to his reputation, credible record, and former CBN governor status, Mr. Emefiele assured the court that he is not a flight risk and would not abscond if bail is granted. He also asserted that as investigations have concluded, there is no likelihood of tampering on his part. The defendant pledged to attend trial punctually and agreed to provide responsible sureties per the court’s requirements.
The charge sheet brought by the Federal Government alleges that Mr. Emefiele possessed a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, contravening Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act. The second count accuses him of possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license, violating Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
A team of 10 lawyers, including five senior advocates led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu, has been enlisted to defend the suspended CBN governor.
Godwin Emefiele was appointed governor of the CBN in 2014.
He was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on 9th June 2023 and later arrested by the DSS.
