Suspended CBN Governor Emefiele Gets N20 Million Bail Over Firearm Charge
The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday.
He is facing a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearm brought against him by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the charge and his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, applied for his bail, arguing that the offense is bailable.
The presiding judge, Justice Nicolas Oweibo, granted him bail in the sum of N20 million and a surety in like sum.
Emefiele was arrested by the DSS about a month ago after he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu over allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the country’s foreign reserves.
He was accused of diverting billions of naira meant for stabilizing the naira and funding critical projects.
He was brought to court in a white Toyota Hilux pick-up van, with the plate number covered, around 9:23 a.m. He was assisted by a female as he stepped down from the van and walked into the courtroom.
According to the charge sheet, Emefiele was found in possession of a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) and 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license. This is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The DSS alleged that Emefiele acquired the firearm and ammunition for personal protection, as he feared for his life after his suspension. However, the DSS claimed that he did not follow the due process of obtaining a license from the appropriate authority.
The case has been adjourned till August 15, 2023 for trial. Emefiele is expected to meet his bail conditions and report to the DSS office every week until the case is concluded.
The case against Emefiele has drawn attention to the issue of gun violence in Nigeria. According to a 2022 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, there were over 30,000 cases of gun violence in Nigeria in 2021. This number is likely to be much higher, as many cases of gun violence are not reported to the police.
The case against Emefiele is also a reminder of the importance of due process. Emefiele has been accused of a serious crime, but he has been granted bail and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is a crucial principle in a democracy, and it is important that it is upheld in this case.
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