The Basis Of The Bail Application Emefiele Filed

The Basis Of The Bail Application Emefiele Filed

Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has filed a bail application with the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking self-recognition bail pending the hearing and determination of the charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

His lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, filed the bail application under the 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 is uncertain, but it is anticipated to occur during the annual vacation of the court starting on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Read Also ‘Tinubu Telephone Conversation With CJN, Ariwoola’

The case has been assigned to Justice Nicholas Oweibo, one of the vacation judges for the court, along with Justice Akintayo Aluko.

The basis for Mr. Emefiele’s bail application includes the fact that the charges against him are bailable, and he has no prior convictions, enjoying the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also stated that granting him bail would allow him sufficient time and resources to prepare his defense. Emefiele highlighted his reputation, past credible record, and former status as CBN governor as reasons why he is not a flight risk and would not abscond if granted bail.

The defendant asserted that investigations have been concluded, minimizing the likelihood of any interference on his part. He assured the court of his punctual attendance at trial and expressed his willingness to provide responsible sureties as required.

A team of 10 lawyers, including five senior advocates, has been enlisted to defend Mr. Emefiele, led by Joseph Daudu, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

In the charge sheet, the Federal Government accused the suspended CBN governor of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, which contravenes Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and is punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act. The second count alleges that he possessed 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.

President Bola Tinubu suspended Mr. Emefiele as the CBN chief on June 9, 2023, and the Department of State Services confirmed the suspended governor’s custody a day after.