The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the alleged gun possession charge filed against him by the Federal Government. The justice of the federal high court Justice Nicholas Eweibo granted a bail of 20 million naira to the suspended governor in Lagos thereby rejecting the claim by the federal government, of Emefelie being a flight risk, adding that the government failed to provide solid evidence to support their claim. The suspended CBN governor pleaded “not guilty” to the two-count charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition filed against him.

In the first count, Emefiele is accused of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license, which is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, he is accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license, which is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(ii) of the same

The presiding judge, Nicholas Oweibo, ruled that the charges against Emefiele were bailable, and the bail was provided with one surety in a similar amount.

Emefiele was arraigned before the vacation judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, after over 6 weeks after his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).