There was drama at the Federal High Court Lagos, Tuesday after operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), engaged officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in a physical tussle over the custody of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo had granted the embattled suspended CBN Governor bail in the sum of N20 million after ruling that the charges against Emefiele are bailable.
The bail was granted with one surety in like sum.
The presiding judge ruled that the surety must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and must be deposed to an affidavit of means.
Emefiele had during his arraignment pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms.
In his submissions, Emefiele’s lawyer, Daudu, urged the court to grant bail on self recognizance or on other liberal terms, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.
He said, “There is no counter affidavit from the Federal Government opposing bail. Also, the defendant is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house, he can’t travel anywhere.”
However, counsel for the Federal Government, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, in an oral submission, opposed the bail application, insisting that the prosecution had not been given time to respond in line with the provisions of fair hearing enshrined in the constitution.
She also said that the prosecution had information that the defendant’s refusal to hand in his passport suggested his capacity to evade and abscond from his trial.
“As the governor of the CBN, he is a powerful man, and can intimidate the witnesses. Granting him bail will intimidate the prosecution witnesses who have come forward to give evidence. He can evade trial based on his antecedents. We urge the court to dismiss the bail application,” she argued.
But the court overruled the Federal Government.
The judge also ordered that Emefiele be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of his bail as against the request of the prosecution that the defendant should be remanded in DSS custody for further investigation on another matter that may soon by filed in court.
Amid the clash, Emefiele’s lawyers “reluctantly allowed the DSS disobey court order and take custody of their client” to avoid a gun battle.
The prison officials then exited the court in their vehicle and the DSS took charge.
The case was adjourned to November 14, 2023.
