Former CBN Governor Emefiele to face court on illegal firearms, ammunition charges
The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is scheduled to appear at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, to face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who will be presiding as the vacation judge for the entire South-West region, fixed the date on Friday, and the information has already been communicated to the lawyers of all the parties involved, according to a report by Channels Television.
Confirming the development, Victor Opara (SAN), one of the lawyers representing the embattled CBN Governor, disclosed that hearing notices had been issued and sent out by the court to the counsel involved in the matter.
Furthermore, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu (SAN), is expected to lead Emefiele’s defense team.
READ ALSO: Emefiele charged with illegal possession of gun, 123 rounds of ammunitions
According to The PUNCH, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a two-count charge against Emefiele on July 13, 2023. The charges include illegal possession of a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, and illegal possession of 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license. Both offenses are said to be contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The arraignment will be a significant event in the ongoing legal proceedings against the suspended CBN governor, and the court will carefully examine the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense teams.
