Emefiele To Be Arraigned In Court On Tuesday

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed July 25 for arraignment of suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele on a two count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Justice Oweibo, who will be sitting as the vacation judge for the entire South- West fixed the date yesterday and the information has since been communicated to lawyers of all the parties.

One of the lawyers to the embattled CBN Governor, Victor Opara (SAN), confirmed the development to judiciary correspondents yesterday.

He also disclosed that hearing notices to that effect had been issued and sent out by the court to counsels involved in the matter.

A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu (SAN) is expected to lead Emefiele’s defence team.

The federal government had on July 13, 2023 filed a two-count charge of illegal processions of firearm and ammunition against the suspended CBN governor.

The government in the charge sheet seen by our correspondent accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

The government maintained that the offences are 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.

In the second count, the suspended CBN governor was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license, which 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.

Emefiele has been in DSS custody since June 10 for “investigative reasons”, according to the agency.