'Former CBN governor, Emefiele, illegally in possession of single barrel shotgun, ammunition' – DSS

A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Nicholas Oweibo, was on Tuesday informed that the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, illegally had in his possession, one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) and One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence.

The above information emerged when the suspended CBN boss was arraigned on two counts of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition before the court, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Emefiele's arraignment came after over six weeks after his arrest and detention by the DSS.

The charge against Emefiele reads: "That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8, Colorado Street, Maitama, Abuja, on or about the 15th of June 2023, at No. 3b, Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence 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.

“That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8, Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about June 15, 2023, at No. 3b, Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence 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”. 

But the troubled Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the DSS.

In the meantime, Justice Oweibo, after entertaining arguments from lawyers on the bail application filed by Emefiele, granted the former CBN boss bail in the sum of N20m with one surety in like sum.

The judge rejected the FGN's claim that Emefiele was a flight risk, adding that the government failed to provide any facts to support its claim.

Justice Oweibo also directed that Emefiele be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of his bail.

The matter has been adjourned until November 14, 2023.

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