In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled to strike out the charges brought by the Federal Government against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, for illegal possession of firearms.
The order was given by Justice Nicholas Oweibo on Thursday, following an application made by Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Ministry of Justice, to withdraw the two-count charge.
Abubakar cited Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, as the basis for the withdrawal.
Emefiele’s legal counsel, J.B. Daodu, vehemently argued that the charges should not be withdrawn until the government first rectifies its disregard for the court’s order on July 25, which granted Emefiele N20 million bail.
Justice Oweibo, in his ruling, approved the application made by the Federal Government, as reported by The Nation.
Critically rebuking the government’s behavior, the judge stated, “The conduct of the prosecution has demonstrated a lack of respect for the rule of law.
“What purpose does it serve to keep the case active when the prosecution has shown contempt for the court?
“Consequently, this charge is hereby dismissed due to a lack of diligent prosecution.”
