In a dramatic turn of events, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, appeared before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday to face charges of illegal possession of firearms brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The embattled former CBN governor pleaded not guilty to the accusations, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
Emefiele was arraigned on a two-count charge that revolved around unlicensed possession of firearms. The charges allege that he unlawfully possessed a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without the required license, a violation of Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
Additionally, in the second count, the suspended CBN governor faced accusations of being in possession of 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without the necessary license, a contravention of Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The courtroom was packed with journalists, lawyers, and curious onlookers eager to witness the proceedings that could have significant ramifications for the nation’s financial sector and political landscape. As the charges were read out, Emefiele maintained a composed demeanor and entered his plea of not guilty in a clear voice, firmly denying any wrongdoing.
The charges against Godwin Emefiele came after a swift sequence of events that unfolded on June 10, when the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
As the trial progresses, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the courtroom, awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case. If found guilty, Emefiele could face severe consequences, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the CBN.
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