Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday morning, was arraigned at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on two counts of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
Emefiele was arraigned before the vacation judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, after over six weeks since his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
After several legal fireworks by Emefiele’s counsel challenging his prolonged detention by the DSS, the secret police bowed to pressure on July 13, 2023 and announced that the suspended apex bank chief has been charged to court.
Emefiele was brought to court by DSS operatives in a hilux vehicle on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Emefiele pleaded “Not Guilty” to the two counts bordering on illegal possession of firearms and ammunition preferred against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The ministry of justice in the charge accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.
The agency also accused him of illegally being in possession of 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence.
FMJ said that the defendant committed the offences on June 15, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi area of Lagos.
According to the charge, the offence committed contravened Section 4 and Section 8 of the Firearms Cap F28 laws of the Federation Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b) (I),(II) of the same Act.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted bail to the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the sum of N20m with one surety in like sum, after listening to the submissions of Emefiele’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN).
The judge rejected the Federal Government’s claim that Emefiele was a flight risk. He ruled that the government failed to provide any fact to support its claim.
Emefiele, 61, had also pleaded “not guilty” to the two-count charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition filed against him by the Federal Government.
In his submissions, Daudu had urged the court to grant bail on self recognizance or on other liberal terms, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.
