BREAKING: Lagos Court Gives Ruling On Withdrawal Of Firearm Charge Against Emefiele

BREAKING: Lagos Court Gives Ruling On Withdrawal Of Firearm Charge Against Emefiele

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted permission to the Federal Government to drop the charges of “illegal possession of firearm and possession” against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In his verdict, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that the request put forth by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to withdraw the case aligns with Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

This section empowers him to dismiss the charges, and there is no stipulation that the application needs to be in writing.

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While allowing the charges to be withdrawn, the judge expressed his contemplation on the possible benefits to the defense if the court refused the withdrawal.

Justice Oweibo commented, “The prosecution has demonstrated their disregard for the law and lack of respect for the court. The court cannot compel them. How would it serve the best interests of the defendant who is currently in custody? What purpose would it serve to retain the case in the court’s records?”

“I am of the opinion that the right course of action is to permit the withdrawal of the charges. They can simply abandon the case, and the court will still be required to dismiss it due to insufficient prosecution efforts. Therefore, the application for withdrawal is accepted,” Justice Oweibo concluded.