DSS Moves to Withdraw 'Firearms' Charge Against Former CBN Governor, Files 20 Fresh Charges.
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| The Nigerian government has announced that they have filed new charges against the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. |
Addressing reporters in court on Tuesday, Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the federal ministry of justice, made this statement.
The case against Emefiele was heard at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The federal government, through the Department of State Security (DSS), has initiated the process of withdrawing the charges against the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This new development occurred in court on Tuesday when the DSS filed another application against the former CBN chief.
Abubakar revealed that the government has filed an additional 20-count charge against Emefiele in Abuja.
Despite Emefiele's absence in court, his lawyer stated that they would not consent to the various applications made by the government in their attempt to withdraw the 'firearms' matter.
After two months, the Department of State Services (DSS) is still detaining the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, despite his bail being granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo on July 25. He was granted bail with a sum of N20 million.
Previously, on July 13, Justice Hamza Mu'azu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had ordered the secret service to either charge Godwin Emefiele to court within one week or release him.
On August 7, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya stated that the re-arrest of the former CBN governor was based on an order from a magistrate court, which stated that Emefiele should remain in custody as they investigate him for suspected criminal activities.
Statement from Emefiele's Lawyer
In response, Joseph Daudu (SAN), the defense counsel for Emefiele, stated that everything being done by the federal government and DSS appears frivolous.
He noted that they had not seen any application indicating that they are unable to handle the matter.
Emefiele's lawyer explained that the issue at hand is the violation of the court order issued on July 25, which granted the suspended governor bail, a decision that the DSS did not adhere to.
"It is clear that the disrespect shown by the DSS cannot be easily overlooked. We must address this before any other steps, including the withdrawal of charges, are taken. We won't allow the court to be treated like disposable tissue paper."
The lawyer emphasized that they are not consenting because, according to the law, before any case can be withdrawn, it must be in the interest of justice and not an abuse of the court process.
Additionally, he stated that no further steps will be taken until they address the disobedience of the court order unless the court overlooks it.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo has adjourned the case until Thursday, August 17.
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