The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on two counts of illegal possession of firearms.

Emefiele was on Tuesday, July 25 brought to the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for his arraignment.

The suspended CBN Governor was brought to the court by DSS officials at 9:21a.m.

Emefiele was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, a vacation judge.

Emefiele’s defence was led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu.

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 pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

President Bola Tinubu had on June 9, 2023 suspended Emefiele as CBN Governor. He was picked up the same day by the DSS.

The Star