Just In: Former-CBN Gov, Emefiele appears in Court – pleads not guilty to firearms charge

By Charity Obi Last updated Jul 25, 2023

Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has finally been taken before a court on allegations of illegally possessing firearms by the Department of State Services (DSS).

DSS agents reportedly arrived at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, about 9:18 am, according to Platinum Times Nigeria.

Recall that Nicholas Oweibo, the presiding judge, was to hear Emefiele’s arraignment.

Emefiele is accused of being in possession of a single-barrel shotgun and 123 rounds of live ammunition without a permit, according to the allegations. On June 15, 2023, the DSS asserts to have removed the guns from Emefiele’s residence in Ikoyi.

He is being prosecuted by the Federal Government, which argued that his possession of a firearm violated Section 4 of the Firearms Act of 2004 and was punished under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act. His unlawful possession of 123 cartridges worth of live ammunition, according to the government, violates Section 8 of the Firearms Act of 2004 and is penalized under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.