Suspended Central Bank Governor; Godwin Emefiele set to Face Court on Firearm Charges
Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is set to face arraignment at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in connection with charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.The decision was made by Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who will be presiding as the vacation judge for the entire South-West region. The date was officially scheduled on Friday, and all involved parties have been duly informed, according to a report by Channels Television.In response to the development, one of the lawyers representing the embattled CBN Governor, Victor Opara (SAN), confirmed that hearing notices have been issued and sent to the respective counsels involved in the case.Furthermore, it was disclosed that the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu (SAN), is expected to lead Emefiele’s defense team during the proceedings.The charges against Emefiele were filed by the Department of State Services on July 13, 2023. The allegations consist of two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The first count accuses him of being in possession of a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a valid license. Meanwhile, the second count charges him with possessing 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without the necessary authorization. These charges are said to be in violation of Section 8 of the Firearms Act, and if proven, they are punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act, as reported by The PUNCH.As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation will closely watch the outcome of this high-profile case involving a prominent figure in the financial sector.