Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has filed a bail application before the Federal High Court in Lagos, requesting bail on personal recognizance while awaiting the hearing and determination of the charges brought against him by the Nigerian Government.
In preparation for his defense, Emefiele has assembled a team of ten lawyers, including five senior advocates, led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu (SAN), to represent him in court.
The bail application was filed based on constitutional provisions, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, and the court’s inherent powers. Emefiele is facing two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, but the date of his arraignment is yet to be confirmed. Reports suggest it may occur during the court’s annual vacation starting on July 24, 2023.
The case has been assigned to Justice Nicholas Oweibo, one of the court’s two vacation judges, alongside Justice Akintayo Aluko.
Emefiele’s bail application is founded on nine grounds, including his claim that the charges against him are bailable and his presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also argues that bail will give him sufficient time and resources to prepare his defense. Emefiele points to his reputation, past record, and status as a former CBN governor as reasons to believe he is not a flight risk and will not jump bail if granted.
Emefiele emphasizes that since investigations have been concluded, there is no likelihood of interference on his part. He commits to attending trial punctually and offering responsible sureties as required by the Court.
In the documents submitted to the court in support of the bail application, Emefiele denies being guilty of the charged offenses. The Nigerian Government’s charge sheet accuses him of possessing a single-barrel shotgun without a license, contrary to the Firearms Act, and possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition without a license, also violating the Firearms Act.
The court will consider Emefiele’s bail application and the arguments presented by his legal team as the case progresses.
