Breaking: DSS Charges Suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele With Illegal Possession Of Firearms, Ammunition

The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The case consisting of two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition was filed against Mr Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Channels Television reports.

A copy of the charges shared on the television’s website showed the case was filed on Thursday (13 July), the same day a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave the Department of State Services (DSS) one-week ultimatum to either charge him in court or release him.

The DSS had held the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele in detention since the 10th of June, which is over a month without charge until Thursday’s ruling.

In the newly filed case, the agency accused Mr Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence; an offence said to be contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the DSS 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 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

The case has not been assigned to a judge.