Godwin Emefiele has found himself involved in a legal battle as the Federal Government files a two-count charge against him for illegal possession of firearms.
The charges were brought before the Federal High Court in Lagos, and if convicted, the suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could face severe penalties under the Firearms Act.
According to the charge sheet seen by Facts Reporter Nigeria, Emefiele stands accused of possessing a single-barrel shotgun, specifically a JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371, without a valid license.
The government alleges that this act is in violation of Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and is punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In addition, the second count accuses the suspended CBN Governor of unlawfully possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license, contravening Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(ii) of the same Act.
Although the case is yet to be assigned to a judge, there are indications that the assignment will take place next week, setting the stage for a legal showdown.
RELATED: DSS Charges Emefiele to Court Following Arrest and Suspension
Emefiele has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 10, purportedly for “investigative reasons,” according to Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesman.
However, in a separate ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja has deemed Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS as illegal.
Justice Bello Kawu, delivering the judgment, declared that the actions taken by the DSS in arresting, detaining, and interrogating Emefiele were in violation of the existing judgment and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Emefiele’s legal counsel, Peter Abang, had petitioned the court, seeking to nullify his client’s arrest and detention based on the previous court judgment delivered on December 29, 2022.
Justice Kawu further ordered the setting aside of any warrant of arrest obtained by the Respondents, pertaining to Emefiele’s arrest in connection with allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, and threats to national security.
Additionally, the court issued an injunction restraining the respondents, especially the DSS, from further arresting, detaining, or interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
In a final ruling, the court mandated the DSS to immediately release Emefiele from any arrest or detention.
