The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty before a Federal High Court Lagos, to a charge of illegal possession of firearm brought against him by the Federal Government.
Emefiele was arraigned before the vacation judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, on two counts charges, after over six weeks since his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu, led other lawyers in Emefiele’s defence.
Recall that president Bola Tinubu had suspended Emefiele as the apex bank chief on June 9, 2023. A day after, the DSS confirmed that the embattled, suspended CBN chief was in its custody.
An Abuja High Court on July 13, 2023 subsequently ordered that the secret police charge Emefiele to court within one week or release him.
Few hours later, the secret police announced that the suspended apex bank chief has been charged to court.
The Federal Government, after the DSS announcement filed two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against Emefiele before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The FG, in the charge sheet, accused Emefiele 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 suspended CBN Governor 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.