The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele has been granted bail in the sum of N20m with one surety in like sum, by Justice Nicholas Eweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos
The bail was granted after Emefiele’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN) made a submission to that effect before the judge.
Nigeria’s government had asked the court not to grant the embattled ex-CBN governor bail, citing flight risk, which the judge rejected, due to its inability to prove, hence the bail was granted.
However, Emefiele pleaded “not guilty” to the two-count charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition filed against him.
In the first count, Emefiele is accused of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence, which is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In the second count, he is 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 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(ii) of the same Act.
However, Emefiele’s lawyer in his submissions urged the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition.
“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,” he argued.
Nkiru Jones-Nebo , who is the government’s counsel, opposed the bail application, telling the court of not to have been properly briefed and needed sufficient time to respond.
 Governor, Godwin Emefiele has been granted bail in the sum of N20m with one surety in like sum, by Justice Nicholas Eweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos){kind=link}