The Federal Government has charged suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In the charge, the FG accused Emefiele of illegally having a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371).
According to the government, the offense violates Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and is penalized under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In the second count, the former CBN Governor was charged of possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) sans a license, a violation of Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and a criminal offense under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge, although it is expected to be done next week.
Count one of the charges reads; That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about the 15th of June 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
Count two: That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about June 15, 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
Emefiele has been in the DSS’s custody since June 10. Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS’s spokesman, stated that it was for “investigative purposes.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, another Federal High Court in Abuja overturned the DSS’s arrest and custody of Emefiele.
In his ruling, Justice Bello Kawu stated that Emefiele’s arrest, custody, and interrogation violated the existing judgment and directives of Justice M. A. Hassan.
