Emefiele charged with illegal possession of gun, 123 rounds of ammunitions
The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is facing legal charges by the federal government for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to the charge sheet, Emefiele is accused of having a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a proper license. The government argues that this offense goes against Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and it is punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
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In addition, Emefiele is also accused of possessing 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.
The case has not yet been assigned to a judge, but the government is working on having it assigned soon.
Emefiele has been placed in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 10 for investigative purposes, according to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya. He disclosed that the agency had charged Emefiele after an Abuja High Court ruling.
However, the specific details of the charges and the court where they were filed were not revealed by Afunanya. Sources suggest that the case will likely be assigned to a judge on Monday, as the Administrative Judge is expected to handle the assignment.
Count one of the charges states that Emefiele, residing at No 8 Colorado Street, Maitama Abuja, on or around June 15, 2023, at No 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, was found in possession of a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license. This action is considered an offense under Section 4 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
Count two alleges that Emefiele, using the same address, had in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a license. This offense 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.
