The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to court, where he will allegedly face charges of possessing firearms. The development took place at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, as DSS agents arrived at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Emefiele faces two charges. The first charge pertains to the possession of a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, which goes against Section 4 of the Firearms Act and is punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
The second count accuses the suspended CBN governor of possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license, which violates Section 8 of the Firearms Act and is punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(ii) of the same Act.
The charges were brought before Nicholas Oweibo, the sitting judge in the case.
The news of the CBN Governor’s suspension and subsequent legal actions by the DSS has sent shockwaves through financial and political circles in Nigeria. Godwin Emefiele has been at the helm of the country’s central banking system since June 2014 and was known for his anti-poor economic policies.
The situation has sparked discussions among legal experts and analysts who are closely monitoring the case’s proceedings. The outcome of this trial could have significant ramifications for the country’s political landscape and financial sector.
As the legal process progresses, it is expected that the DSS and Mr Emefiele’s legal team will present their respective cases before the court, providing a clearer picture of the allegations and the evidence presented.
The federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, will be the focal point of attention in the coming days as Nigerians and the international community keenly observe the unfolding drama involving the suspended CBN governor.
A Twitter commentator raised a question about the extent of the charges brought against the former CBN governor by the DSS. Surprisingly, the commentator further noted why the only accusation they could level against him was a two-count charge related to the possession of a single-barrel gun and live bullets.
https://twitter.com/MobilePunch/status/1683772091412230145?t=30wX-IrJ6l0-D5K5hpUgrg&s=19
Meanwhile, Mr Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty regarding these charges.
https://twitter.com/NTANewsNow/status/1683764422060146692?t=TlMvxfoLHfu9Oy0Job7XFQ&s=19
