The federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, grants the bail application of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele in the sum of N20 million.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo on Tuesday granted him bail following his arraignment by the Department of Security Service (DSS) and subsequent not guilty plea.
In his ruling, Justice Oweibo held that the court can still grant the bail of the former CBN governor as charges against him were bailable.
Background
On 10 June, Emefiele was arrested at his home in Lagos by the State Security Service, SSS.
Following his arrest, he has been in the DSS custody for 45 days and was charged to court following a court order.
The DSS charged him on two counts bordering on illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition.
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They accused him of having a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence and was also in possession of 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence.
In the first count, DSS maintained that he violated Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and was punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
On the second charge, they claimed that he also violated Section 8 of the Firearms Act 2004 and was punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
However, upon arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the charges proffered against him.
Court hearing
At today’s hearing, counsel to the defendant, Mr Daodu, a senior lawyer, prayed the court to grant the bail application of his client on self-recognition and other liberal terms till the commencement of the hearing and determination of trial.
The lawyer noted that his client has a recognizable personality in the country and can not be in custody but stay in his home and be restricted to travel.
He said “There is no counter affidavit from the federal government. This is an unopposed application. He is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house. He can’t travel anywhere,”
In a counter-argument, the deputy director of prosecutions at the office of the attorney general of the federation, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, argued that the prosecution had not enough time to respond.
She also included that the defendant refused to release his passport to the security operative, which suggests that he could evade and run from trial.
She sais “As the governor of the CBN, he is a powerful man and can intimidate the witnesses. Granting him bail will intimidate the prosecution witnesses who have come forward to give evidence. He can evade trial based on his antecedents. We urge the court to dismiss the bail application.”
Court`s decision
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Oweibo held that there is proof that the federal government received the bail application from the defendant.
Consequently, The court rejected the claim that the FG did not receive a copy of the bail application.
Subsequently, Justice Oweibo granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20 million with a surety in the like sum.
