‘Illegal Possession Of Firearm’: Court Takes Fresh Decision In Emefiele, FG’s Applications

,,,,,The Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed further proceedings in the applications filed by the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, until Tuesday, August 15th.

,,,,,,Emefiele is seeking to prevent the Federal Government from prosecuting him on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and he’s also requesting an order discharging him of all offenses prosecuted by the government.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo stated that Emefiele’s application, which questions the jurisdiction of the court, is of high priority and will be considered alongside the government’s application seeking leave to appeal against the order granting bail to the suspended CBN governor.

,,,,,Emefiele’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Victor Opara, argued that the application was crucial due to the government’s persistent disregard of the court’s order regarding Emefiele’s bail application. Opara also requested a short adjournment to reply to the prosecution’s response to the application.

The prosecution’s counsel, Assistant Chief State Counsel KA Fagbemi, disagreed with this and emphasized that the government’s application….should be heard first. She urged the court to consider the principle of “first in time,” stating that the government’s motion had been filed earlier.

Justice Oweibo ruled that the court’s primary focus for the day was the hearing of the prosecution’s motion. However, he acknowledged Emefiele’s application and its significance in challenging the prosecution’s jurisdiction. He allowed the defense to respond to the prosecution’s application, and he scheduled both applications to be heard on August 15th.

Emefiele had previously filed an application to halt the government’s prosecution against him and sought an order discharging him of all offenses. His application aimed to enforce the court’s orders and ensure compliance with his….bail terms. The government had also filed an application seeking leave to appeal against the order granting bail to Emefiele and requested an alteration in his remand custody.

,,,,,,Justice Oweibo had previously set August 10th as the date to hear the government’s application.