Emmanuel OchayiThe Federal High Court in Lagos has granted permission to the Federal Government to drop charges related to “illegal possession of firearm and possession” against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Justice Nicholas Oweibo delivered the ruling, citing Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which empowers the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to withdraw charges without the necessity for a written application.
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Justice Oweibo emphasized that the court is inclined to permit the withdrawal as it would not serve the defense any purpose if the charges remained.
Expressing his viewpoint, Justice Oweibo remarked, “The prosecution has shown that they are not law-abiding and have no respect for the court.
“The court cannot force them. What good will it be for the defendant who is in custody? Of what benefit will it be to keep the file in the court’s docket?
“I believe the proper thing is to allow them to withdraw the charge. They can simply abandon it and the court will still have to strike it out for lack of diligent prosecution. The application to withdraw is hereby granted.”
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