FG Files Charges Against Emefiele For Illegal Possession Of Firearm

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.

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 suspended CBN Governor was accused of having 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) in his possession without 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 case has yet to be assigned to a judge, although it is expected to be done next week.

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.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, Afunanya also revealed that the agency has charged Emefiele in court following an Abuja High Court order.

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.

Meanwhile, on Friday, another Federal High Court in Abuja overturned the DSS’s arrest and custody of Emefiele.

In his decision, Justice Bello Kawu stated that Mister Emefiele’s arrest, custody, and interrogation violated the existing judgment and directives of Justice M. A. Hassan.

Mr Emefiele, through his Counsel, Peter Abang, had sought the court to set aside and nullify the Applicant’s arrest and imprisonment as unconstitutional and void in light of the existing judgment by another court delivered on December 29, 2022.

Justice Kawu further issued an order quashing any arrest warrant acquired or procured by the Respondents, particularly the DSS, for Emefiele in connection with the charges of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities, money laundering, and a threat to national security brought before any court.

In addition, the court issued an order prohibiting the respondents, particularly the DSS, from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.

Finally, the court issued an injunction directing and mandating the Respondents, particularly the DSS, to immediately release Mr. Emefiele from any arrest or detention.