Suspended CBN Governor, Emefiele, Takes Legal Action to Halt Further Prosecution
The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has initiated legal measures to prevent ongoing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Emefiele, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, filed a petition at a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking to prevent the Federal Government from pursuing charges of illegal firearm possession or any other accusations against him.
He is also urging the court to clear him of all charges brought forth by the government, which he claims constitute “brazen disobedience” to the court’s recent orders to release him on bail on July 25.
Emefiele also seeks a separate order that would prevent the Federal Government from receiving any further legal favors unless it adheres to the bail ruling.
The application was presented to Vacation Judge Nicholas Oweibo, who had previously granted him bail after his arraignment.
Emefiele’s petition is based on Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the inherent powers of the court.
The former CBN Governor requests that the court suspend ongoing proceedings in the current charges, pressuring the government and the DSS to comply with the court’s bail order. He further demands that the government adhere to the order before proceeding with any additional legal actions.
According to a report by Channel TV, Victor Opara (SAN), a member of the defense team, stated that the application was filed on August 8 and served on the Federal Government on Wednesday.
Emefiele emphasizes that his aim is to use the court’s authority to enforce its orders, ensuring that it is not seen as ineffective or powerless. He intends to uphold and defend the rule of law in Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Oweibo has scheduled a hearing for the application on Thursday, August 10.
In response to allegations of disregarding court orders, the DSS issued a statement on Monday, August 6, titled ‘DSS and Accusation of Disobedience to Court Orders – Setting the Records Right’. The DSS argued that it has consistently followed court orders in various cases, including those involving Emefiele, former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, and IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The DSS maintained that it has adhered to judicial orders and procedures in a lawful manner, contrary to allegations of non-compliance.
