The Federal Government eventually brought the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to Court where he was arraigned in the morning.
Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the alleged gun possession charge filed against him by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
Emefiele arrived at the court around 9:20am accompanied by a supportive woman whose identity or closeness to the suspended CBN Governor is yet – to – be – ascertained.
The embattled Emefiele is standing trial on a two-count charge which accuses him of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence on June 15.
The Federal Government, which is prosecuting him, claimed the offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In the second count, the suspended CBN Governor is being accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
Emefiele’s Counsel and former President of the NBA, Joseph Daudu (SAN), is leading other lawyers in his defence.
After Emefiele had taken his plea, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, informed the court that his client has been in detention – in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS), for the past four weeks.
Daudu also told Justice Nicholas Oweibo that the application for bail has been filed and served on the prosecution – the FG.
Although, the FG raised objection against the bail Application, claiming it had not yet been served any notice of bail application but the Court rejected the FG’s claim.
The judge held that there was evidence that the government had been served.
The bail application was filed by Emefiele’s lawyers, led by Joseph B. Daudu, SAN.
Daudu had urged the court to hear the defendant’s application seeking bail on self-recognition, noting that his client had fulfilled all the conditions necessary to make the application ripe for hearing.
However, the Federal High Court granted tGodwin Emefiele, N20 million bail.
Emefiele is to be remanded in Ikoyi correctional center pending the perfection of bail condition.
Justice Nocholas Oweibo, the presiding judge, ordered that the sum be paid and should also have one surety in like sum.
After hearing Emefiele’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), the judge granted bail. The judge dismissed the Federal Government’s argument that Emefiele was a flight risk and should not be allowed bail. According to the judge, the government failed to give any facts to back up its assertion.
Emefiele’s counsel had requested the court to grant his client bail on his own recognition or on other generous terms, awaiting the trial’s hearing and determination.
“There is no counter affidavit from the Federal Government opposing bail. Also, the defendant is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house, he can’t travel anywhere.”
Meanwhile, a group going by the name, Coalition of Nigerian Civil Society on Tuesday prayed a Federal High Court to allow it hold a watching brief in the arraignment of Godwin Emefiele, who has been arraigned and charged with illegal possession of firearms.
The group, represented by five senior lawyers, stormed the court and took their seats at the back saying they are lawyers in defence of democracy.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the court has granted them permission to watch.
