Suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to face trial on firearms charges

The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, to answer charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo, presiding as the vacation judge for the entire South-West region, scheduled the court appearance following a hearing on Friday. Legal representatives from all involved parties have been duly notified, as reported by Channels Television.

Victor Opara (SAN), one of the lawyers representing the suspended CBN Governor, confirmed the development and revealed that the court had issued hearing notices to the concerned counsels.

Emefiele’s defense team is expected to be led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The charges stem from a two-count indictment filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 13, 2023. The DSS accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun, JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371, without a valid license, constituting the first count.

In the second count, he was charged with the illegal possession of 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without the required license.

These charges are in direct violation of Section 8 of the Firearms Act, and if found guilty, the accused could face penalties outlined in Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.