The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has taken legal action by filing an application before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
In his application, he seeks to prevent the Federal Government from pursuing further prosecution on charges of illegal firearm possession and ammunition, as well as any other potential charges. Emefiele’s move comes in response to what he perceives as a violation of court orders.
Emefiele’s primary contention revolves around the alleged disobedience of subsisting court orders. He claims that the government has not adhered to the bail order granted to him on July 25, 2023. Consequently, he is requesting that the court not only halt any ongoing proceedings related to the charges but also discharge him from all offenses the government has been pursuing against him.
Represented by a team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, Emefiele’s legal strategy is based on a multifaceted approach. The application relies on provisions outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Additionally, it invokes the inherent powers of the court to address this matter.
Emefiele’s plea extends further, seeking a court order that would restrain the Federal Government from enjoying any benefits from the court system until compliance with the bail ruling is achieved. This underscores his belief that the government should be held accountable for its actions, or lack thereof, concerning his case.
The suspended CBN Governor’s legal team also emphasizes the need to exhaust all available legal avenues to ensure the enforcement of the bail order. He seeks to remedy the situation either by prompting the government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to abide by the court’s decision or by being remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre until the bail terms are met.
Moreover, the defense team contends that this application is critical to maintaining the sanctity and credibility of the court’s orders, thereby preserving the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial system.
In a parallel development, it has been reported that the Federal Government submitted an application seeking permission to appeal the bail granted to Emefiele. Additionally, they are requesting a change in his custody from the Nigerian Correctional Services to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). A hearing for this matter is scheduled for August 10th before Justice Nicholas Oweibo.
As this legal saga continues, Emefiele’s application underscores his determination to ensure that due process is upheld and that he is treated fairly under the law. The court’s decisions in the coming days will play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of this high-profile case.