Politics

Court Fixes Date For Emefiele’s Trial Over Illegal Firearms Possession

Godwin Emefiele to face a two-count charge in court


22nd July 2023 12:50 PM

One of the lawyers to the embattled Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Victor Opara (SAN), has revealed that the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is expected to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Opara told reporters that hearing notices to the effect had been issued and sent out by the court to the counsel involved in the matter, according.

He also confirmed that the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association Joseph Daudu (SAN), is expected to lead Emefiele’s defence team.

Meanwhile, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who will be sitting as the vacation judge for the entire South-West, fixed the date on Friday and the information has since been communicated to lawyers of all the parties.

Access24 reports that the Department of State Services had on July 13, 2023 filed a two-count of illegal processions of firearm and ammunition against the suspended CBN governor.

The DSS in the charge sheet accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.

In the second count, the service charged him with illegally possessing 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence. The offence is also said to be contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.