The Federal government of Nigeria has filed a two-count charge of illegal processions of firearm and ammunition against the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The federal government in the charge sheet accused the bank chief of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence
The government maintained that the offence 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.
In the second count, the Emefiele was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which 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 is yet to be assigned to a judge, but there are strong indications that this will be done next week.
Emefiele has been in the custody of the DSS since June 10. The spokesman for the Department of State Security (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya, had said it was for “investigative reasons”.
Recall that the spokesman of the secret police in a statement on Thursday, disclosed that the agency had charged Emefiele to court following an Abuja High Court ruling.
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.
