The Federal government will on July 25 arraign the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
He will be arraigned on a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition before a vacation judge, Justice Nicholas.
One of Emefiele’s lawyers, Victor Opara (SAN), who confirmed the development on Friday, said a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu, would lead the defence team.
He added that the court had sent out the hearing notices to lawyers involved in the matter.
The Federal government had accused Emefiele, who was arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) on June 10 of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) and 123 rounds of live ammunition without a licence.
The offences, according to the government, are contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004.
“The offences are punishable under Section 27 (1b) and Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same acts,” the charge sheet read.