Emefiele to be arraigned Tuesday over ‘illegal possession of firearms’

A federal high court in Lagos has fixed July 25 for the arraignment of Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

TheCable understands that hearing notices have been sent out by the court to counsels involved in the matter.

Joseph Daudu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), will be leading the defendant’s case while Nicholas Oweibo will serve as the presiding judge.

On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, CBN deputy governor, operations directorate.

A day later, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced that Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.

The suspended CBN governor has been in DSS custody since his arrest.

On July 13, Peter Afunanya, spokesperson of the DSS, confirmed that the agency had filed charges against Emefiele.

The DSS charged him with two counts bordering on alleged possession of firearms.

In the first count, Emefiele is accused of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence, which is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the suspended CBN governor is 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 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

Emefiele had earlier filed an application before the court seeking bail on self-recognisance.

He argued that the charges for which he was accused are bailable.

He said he has never been convicted of a crime and should enjoy the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, adding that he is not a flight risk.

Emefiele also said granting him bail would afford him adequate time to prepare his defence.

He added that since investigations have been concluded, there is no likelihood of interference on his part. 

The defendant pledged to show up for trial on time and expressed his willingness to offer responsible sureties required by the court.