CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

The Federal Government on Tuesday withdrew the illegal firearms possession case against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. The government had filed the charges against Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Lagos earlier this year.

Director of Public Prosecutions Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar said the withdrawal followed further investigation into the matter. Defense lawyer Joseph Daudu opposed the withdrawal, arguing the government was in violation of the court’s earlier bail order for Emefiele.

In July, Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted Emefiele bail on two counts of illegal firearms and ammunition possession. But Emefiele was rearrested by DSS agents after an altercation with prison officials at the court.

It’s understood the government has now filed new charges against Emefiele in Abuja, with around 20 counts including allegations of conferring unlawful advantages.

The CBN governor remains suspended as the legal proceedings continue. His defense team is expected to challenge the new charges at the FCT High Court.