Amidst escalating legal tensions, Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken a significant step towards securing his liberty.
Emefiele’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, has filed a bail application before the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking self-recognisance bail while awaiting the hearing and determination of charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The bail application is founded on relevant provisions of the constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, and the inherent powers of the court. It puts forth nine compelling grounds justifying Emefiele’s release, one of which underscores the bailable nature of the charges against him. Emphasis is placed on his clean record and the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Pulse reported.
The date for Emefiele’s arraignment on two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition has not been confirmed yet. However, sources indicate that the arraignment is expected to take place during the annual vacation of the court starting on Monday, July 24, 2023.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo, one of the two vacation judges for the court, has been assigned to preside over the case. The other vacation judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, will not be handling the matter.
Emefiele’s legal team, comprising ten lawyers, including five senior advocates led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu, is fully committed to vigorously defending him throughout the proceedings.
The charge sheet presented by the Federal Government alleges that Emefiele possessed a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, thereby 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, in violation of 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.
In his plea, Emefiele highlights his reputation, credible record, and former CBN governor status to assure the court that he poses no flight risk and is committed to attending trial punctually. He also promises to provide responsible sureties as required by the court.
