Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin
Emefiele, is facing charges filed by the
Federal Government. The charges
include illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as stated in a two-count
charge filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to a report by Channel Television, Emefiele is
accused of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a
license. The Federal Government asserts that 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.
In the second count, Emefiele is accused of being in
possession of 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license.
This act 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.
Although the case has yet to be assigned to a judge,
indications suggest that this will be done next week.
Emefiele has been in the custody of the Department of State
Services (DSS) since June 10. Dr. Peter Afunanya, the spokesman for the DSS,
stated that this was for “investigative reasons.”
In a statement on Thursday, Afunanya revealed that the agency
had charged Emefiele to court following a ruling by an Abuja High Court.
Count one of the charges states that Emefiele, residing at
No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, allegedly had in his possession a Single
Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license at No. 3b Iru Close,
Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, on or about June 15, 2023. This
offense is 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 alleges that Emefiele, also residing at No. 8
Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, had in his possession One Hundred and
Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license at
No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, on or about
June 15, 2023. This act 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.
In the meantime, another FCT High Court in Abuja has declared
the arrest and detention of Emefiele by the DSS as void on Friday.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Bello Kawu stated that
the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Mr. Emefiele were in violation of
the existing judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Emefiele, represented by his counsel Peter Abang, had requested
the court to nullify the arrest and detention, deeming it illegal and null due
to the existing judgment delivered by another court on December 29, 2022.
Justice Kawu also issued an order setting aside any warrant
of arrest obtained or acquired by the respondents, particularly the DSS, in
connection with Emefiele’s alleged offenses of terrorism financing, fraudulent
practices, money laundering, and threats to national security.
The court further granted an injunction that prohibits the
respondents, especially the DSS, from arresting, detaining, or interfering with
Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
Lastly, the court granted an order of injunction, directing
and mandating the respondents, particularly the DSS, to immediately release Mr.
Emefiele from any arrest or detention.
