The Lagos division of the Federal High Court has scheduled Mr. Godwin Emefiele’s arraignment for Tuesday, July 25 on the two-count charge of possession of a pump action rifle and 123 rounds of live cartridges.
Following the filing of accusations of possession of a pump action rifle after several months of accusation and six weeks of imprisonment, the arraignment before Justice Nicholas Oweibo has drawn widespread outrage from members of the public and civil society organisations.
The Federal government in the charge sheet, 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.
President Bola Tinubu had on Friday June 9, 2023, suspended Emefiele as the apex bank’s chief and directed that the bank’s Deputy Governor of Operations, Folashodun Shonubi, resume office in an acting capacity.
The next day, the DSS confirmed that Emefiele is in its custody. The embattled suspended apex bank chief has since remained in the custody of the secret police.