The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed the illegal possession of firearms charges brought against the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, by the Federal Government.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo decided on Thursday in response to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mohammed Abubakar's application to withdraw the two-count charge.
Abubakar's decision to withdraw the charges was based on Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In defence, Emefiele's counsel, J.B. Daodu, argued that the prosecution's withdrawal of the charge should be contingent on the government's adherence to the court's July 25 ruling, which granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20 million.
In his ruling, Justice Oweibo approved the Federal Government's request for withdrawal. However, he expressed strong criticism of the Government's behaviour, stating;
"The prosecution's actions have demonstrated a lack of respect for the rule of law. Keeping the case on the court's docket while showing disrespect to the court serves no purpose."
So, the charge was dismissed because of insufficient investigation.
