By Ayo Yusuf
Despite Friday’s ruling by an Abuja High Court ordering his immediate release from detention, there are indications that the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor, Godwin Emefiele, will not be going home soon.
This is even as the Federal Government, FG, prepares to file fresh charges against him before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Emefiele will be facing a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition following the alleged discovery of a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) in his possession without a licence.
According to his charge sheet, this is an offense contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
In the second count, the embattled CBN Governor was 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 Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.
The case is yet to be assigned to a judge, but there are indications that this will be done next week.
Emefiele has been in the custody of the Directorate of State Security, DSS, since June 10 for what the spokesman for the directorate, Dr. Peter Afunanya, had called, “investigative reasons”
Count one of the new charges reads; “That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about the 15th of June 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.
Count two: That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about June 15, 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence; You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.”
It would be recalled that only last Friday the Federal High Court in Abuja had voided the arrest and detention of Emefiele by the DSS.
Delivering judgement, Justice Bello Kawu held that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Emefiele were in violation of the subsisting judgement and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.
Emefiele, through his Counsel, Peter Abang, had asked the court to set aside and nullify the arrest and detention of the Applicant for being illegal and a nullity in view of the subsisting judgment by another court delivered on 29th December 2022.
Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, threat to national security before any court.
The court further granted an injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.
The court finally granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the Respondents, particularly the DSS,, to forthwith release Mr. Emefiele from any arrest or detention.
There were jubilations in Emefiele’s country home in Asaba, Delta State, following the court’s ruling but it appears that celebrations will be shortlived as the suspended CBN governor faces the ordeal of a new trial.
