NEWS
BREAKING: Emefiele granted N20 Million bail
In a significant legal development, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been granted bail by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, saw Emefiele being granted bail in the sum of N20 million, with the requirement of a surety in the same amount.
During the court proceedings, the Federal Government had filed a bail application, arguing that Emefiele posed a flight risk. However, Justice Oweibo dismissed the government’s claims, stating that they failed to provide substantial evidence to support their assertion.
After hearing the arguments presented by Emefiele’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Justice Oweibo determined that the charges brought against the suspended CBN governor were bailable offenses.
Consequently, he exercised his discretion to grant bail to Emefiele in the sum of N20 million, with a condition that he must provide one surety who can meet the same monetary requirement.
The bail ruling comes in the wake of Emefiele’s suspension from his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which had caused considerable attention and raised questions about his future in the institution.
The court’s decision to grant bail is seen as a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against Godwin Emefiele.
It also reflects the court’s consideration of the severity of the charges and the principle that an accused person should have the opportunity to defend themselves in accordance with the law.
The case has garnered substantial public interest, given the prominence of Emefiele’s role in the country’s financial sector and the implications of the charges he faces.
The bail ruling has come as a relief to Emefiele’s supporters, as it allows him to secure his temporary freedom while preparing for the legal battle ahead.