Abuja (Sundiata Post)– The Federal High Court in Lagos has charged suspended CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele with two counts of unlawful guns and ammunition possession.
Channels Television’s judicial reporter saw the FG’s charge sheet accusing Emefiele of owning a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.
The authorities said the offence violated Section 4 of the Weapons Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and was penalised under Section 27 (1b).
On the second count, the suspended CBN Governor was charged with possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence, which violates Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and is penalised under Section 27 (1)(b)(il).
Next week, the case may be assigned to a judge.
DSS has held Emefiele since June 10. Dr. Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesperson, claimed it was for “investigative purposes”.
On Thursday, Afunanya said the agency had charged Emefiele to court after an Abuja High Court order.
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 (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You violated Section 4 of the Weapons Act, Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 were punished under Section 27 (1b).
Count two: 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 One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence. You violated Section 8 of the Weapons Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and were punished under Section 27(1)(b)(il).
On Friday, another Abuja Federal High Court overturned Emefiele’s DSS arrest.
Judge Bello Kawu ruled that Mr Emefiele’s arrest, custody, and questioning violated Justice M. A. Hassan’s directives.
Mr. Emefiele, via his Attorney, Peter Abang, urged the court to set aside and annul the Applicant’s arrest and imprisonment since it was illegitimate and nullity in light of another court’s December 29, 2022, ruling.
Judge Kawu further set aside any warrant of arrest acquired or secured by the Respondents, notably the DSS, for Emefiele in connection with the charges of terrorist funding, fraudulent activities, money laundering, and danger to national security before any court.
The court also issued an order barring the respondents, notably the DSS, from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
Finally, the court ordered the Respondents, specifically the DSS, to release Mr. Emefiele immediatel
