EMEFIELE CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

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By ‘Leke Yusuf

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a two-count charge of illegal procession of firearm and ammunition against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The federal government in the charge sheet, seen by reporters, accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.

The government maintained that the offences are 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.

In the second count, the suspended CBN Governor was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which is 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.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.

Emefiele has been in DSS’ custody since June 10 for “investigative reasons”, according to the agency’s spokesman; Peter Afunanya.

He had also on Thursday disclosed in a statement that the agency had charged Emefiele to court following an Abuja High Court ruling.

But he neither disclosed the details of the charge nor the court before it was filed.