The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is set to face arraignment at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
He is being charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The presiding judge for the case will be Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who will serve as the vacation judge for the entire South-West.
The date for the arraignment was fixed on Friday, and all parties involved have been duly informed, as reported by Channels Television.
Mr. Victor Opara (SAN), one of the lawyers representing the embattled CBN Governor, confirmed the development.
He disclosed that hearing notices pertaining to the case have already been issued and sent out by the court to all involved counsel, as reported by Channels Television.
Joseph Daudu (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, is expected to lead Mr. Emefiele’s defence team during the proceedings.
The charges against Mr. Emefiele were filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 13, 2023, and include two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to the charge sheet, the DSS has accused Mr. Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a valid license.
Additionally, he has been charged with the illegal possession of 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without the required license.
These alleged offenses are in violation of Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The arraignment on Tuesday will mark a significant development in the case, and the court will proceed to determine the merits of the charges brought against the suspended CBN Governor.
The Federal High Court in Lagos will be the stage for this high-profile legal battle, which has garnered considerable public attention. As the case unfolds, stakeholders and the public await the outcome with keen interest
