The Nigerian government has pressed charges against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), accusing him of unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
Emefiele is facing new charges following a ruling by the High Court in Abuja which declared his earlier arrest and detention by the DSS as null and void.
According to Channels Television, he has been accused of possessing a JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371 single-barrel shotgun without a license.
Based on the document, the violation goes against Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and can result in punishment under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
The second charge against the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria alleges that he had 123 live ammunition cartridges without a license, which goes against Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004.
This is punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) (ii) of the same act.
As per the report, the judge for the new case will be assigned next week.
Mr Emefiele has been in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since his suspension. According to agency spokesperson Dr Peter Afunanya, he is being detained so that the agency can investigate allegations.
On Thursday, Afunanya announced that Mr Emefiela was charged following a ruling by the Abuja High Court.
The Charge sheet reads, “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 (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.
The second count charge reads, “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.
Godwin Emefiele’s Detention Is Illegal – High Court Declared.
Last Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared that the apprehension and confinement of the suspended CBN Governor were null and void.
Justice Bello Kawu has ruled that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Mr Emefiele violate the existing judgement and orders of Justice M.A. Hassan.
The Justice issued an order that nullified any arrest warrants previously obtained or obtained by the respondents, specifically the DSS, for the apprehension of Emefiele.
These warrants were related to accusations of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities, money laundering, and endangerment of national security and were brought before any court.
The court issued an injunction to prevent the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Mr Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
After much deliberation, the court issued an injunction order commanding the Respondents, specifically the DSS, to immediately release Mr Emefiele from any form of arrest or detention.
