FG files fresh charges against Emefiele, withdraws possession of firearms

The Federal Government Tuesday applied to withdraw the “illegal possession of firearms” case it filed against the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele  , at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar told Justice Nicholas Oweibo that the application followed the result of further investigations.

He made his application orally.

But defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) opposed him, arguing that because the government was in disobedience of the court’s order granting Emefiele bail, its application could not be taken.

READ ALSO: Emefiele and Bawa: Victims of executive lawlessness (Part 2)

The judge had on July 25, admitted Emefiele to an N20 million bail on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

But the DSS rearrested the embattled bank chief after fighting off NCoS officials on the court’s premises.

Speaking with journalists after the day’s proceedings Mr. Abubakar said the fresh charges – with 20 counts – were filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

One of the counts accuses Emefiele of “conferring unlawful advantages”.

Emefiele has been on the radar of the DSS since 2022 over alleged terrorism financing.

READ ALSO: Emefiele asks court to stop DSS from further prosecution

Moments after President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of Emefiele as CBN governor on Friday, there were reports that operatives of the DSS had arrested him.

After a series of back and forth, DSS on Saturday said Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.

The news of the suspension and arrest of Emefiele has elicited reactions from Nigerians.

For a number of reasons, particularly the naira redesign policy, Emefiele would not be forgotten in a rush by Nigerians, including the political elite.

The policy pitched Emefiele against many Nigerians and his unpopularity became noticeable.