The Federal Government’s attempt to arraign 10 persons accused of importing prohibited firearms and ammunition, as well as suspected terrorism, was thwarted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
The arraignment, scheduled before Justice Emeka Nwite, was scuttled due to the lack of legal representation for two of the accused and their subsequent rejection of free legal services offered by two lawyers present in court.
The 10 accused individuals Ali Samson Ofoma, Okechukwu Gabriel Charles, Kingsley Mbibi Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Mayowa Segun, Augustine John Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Wahab Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo—were alleged to have imported 844 prohibited firearms and 112,500 rounds of cartridges into Nigeria, concealed in plumbing materials, on June 20, 2024, at Onne Port in Port Harcourt. This act is contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004 and other relevant laws.
Read also: NJC recommends Justice Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria
The charges against them include altering a bill of lading and diverting the container’s movement to cover up the illegal importation, as well as transporting prohibited weapons with intent to commit acts of terrorism, which is prejudicial to national security and violates the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
During the proceedings, it was discovered that the 6th and 7th defendants, Augustine John Elechi and Osumini Kennedy, respectively, had no legal representation. Despite offers of free legal services from lawyers Deji Adeyanju and George Ogara, the two accused persons rejected the offers. Justice Nwite ruled that it would be improper to proceed with the arraignment without their counsel and adjourned the case to September 12 to allow the defendants to secure lawyers of their choice. The 10 defendants were ordered to be held in the custody of the Nigeria Police’s Intelligence Response Team until the next hearing.
Chioma Onuegbu, a Deputy Director at the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Office of the National Security Adviser, represented the federal government during the proceedings.
Credible News.ng
