Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has requested that the Federal High Court in Lagos admit him to bail on his own recognizance until the hearing and determination of the charge made against him by the Federal Government.
His lead attorney, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, filed the bail motion in accordance with the relevant sections of the constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, and the inherent powers of the court.
It was unclear when Mr Emefiele would be arraigned on the two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, but there were indications that it would be during the court’s summer holiday, which begins on Monday, July 24, 2023.
The case of the suspended CBN governor has been handed to Justice Nicholas Oweibo, one of the court’s two vacation justices. Justice Akintayo Aluko is the other.
Mr Emefiele’s bail application was based on nine grounds.
First, he claimed that the charges against him were not bailable. He also stated that he has never been convicted of any crime and that he is innocent until proven guilty.
The suspended CBN governor also stated that giving him bail would provide him with sufficient time and resources to prepare his defense to the charge.
The defendant stated that he is not a flight risk and would not jump bail if granted, citing his character and past credible record, as well as his role as a former CBN governor.
He further stated that once the investigations were completed, he had no intention of interfering.
While agreeing to appear at trial on time, the defendant also expressed his willingness to offer responsible sureties, as the Court may need as a condition for the grant of bail.
Ten lawyers, including five senior advocates, have been appointed to represent the suspended CBN governor. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, will lead them.
Akinlolu Kehinde, Bert Igwilo, Victor Opara, and Emeka Obegolu are the other senior advocates.
Emefiele denied being guilty of the offence with which he is currently charged in documents submitted to the court in support of his bail application.
In the charge sheet, the Federal Government accused the suspended CBN governor of illegally carrying a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371).
According to the government, the offense violated Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and was penalized under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In the second count, the suspended CBN governor was accused of carrying 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) in his possession without a license, a violation of Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and a criminal offense under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
On June 9, 2023, President Bola Tinubu removed Mr Emefiele as chairman of the apex bank. The Department of State Services announced the suspended CBN chief was in its custody the next day.
