FG files fresh charges against Emefiele, to withdraw firearm case

The Federal Government has requested the withdrawal of the “illegal possession of firearms” case against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, made an oral application to Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos. This request was based on new findings from further investigations.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, objected to the application, insisting that the government must address its breach of the court’s bail order before the application is considered. The court adjourned the matter until August 17, 2023, for a ruling. The DPP revealed that a fresh set of 20 charges has been filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, including one that accuses Emefiele of “conferring unlawful advantages.”