The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Lagos on July 25. He is facing two charges related to the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Victor Opara (SAN), one of Emefiele’s lawyers, has confirmed that hearing notices have been sent to all counsels involved in the case. Additionally, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), will personally lead the defendant’s legal team during the court proceedings.
According to the charge sheet seen by Channels Television, the first count accuses Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license. This offense is in violation of Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
The second count alleges that the suspended CBN Governor was found with 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license. This charge is 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.
Since June 10, Emefiele has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Count one of the charges reads as follows: “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, you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license. By this, you have committed an offense 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 reads as follows: “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, you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license. By this, you have committed an offense 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.”
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