Suspects In N4bn Illegal Arms Import Charged With Terrorism

Suspects In N4bn Illegal Arms Import Charged With Terrorism....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, is set to arraign 10 individuals today (Monday) on terrorism charges, linked to the N4 billion worth of illegal firearms and ammunition smuggled into the country in June. The PUNCH gathered on Sunday that investigations into the arms cache seized by the Nigerian Customs Service in Port Harcourt had been concluded……CONTINUE READING

In June, the Nigerian Customs intercepted a 40-foot container at the Onne Port, containing 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. The weapons had been concealed within everyday items like doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. Reports indicate the shipment originated from Turkey, with a duty-paid value of N4 billion.

A source at the arms control centre confirmed that 10 suspects, arrested in Abuja, would appear before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The source added, “Investigations are complete, and the suspects will be charged on Monday. Several others involved remain at large.”

According to the charge sheet, the defendants—Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo—face four charges, including terrorism, illegal importation of firearms, and forgery.

The defendants are accused of conspiring to illegally import 844 firearms and 112,500 cartridges, hidden in plumbing materials and other goods in a 40-foot container. The offense violates Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Additionally, the Federal Government alleges the defendants falsified the bill of lading to obscure the true nature of the shipment, diverting the container’s movement to cover up the illegal arms importation. This act, according to the charge sheet, violates Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The defendants are also accused of transporting the illegal weapons aboard the Maersk Vigo Ship, with the bill of lading number 238921355, which constitutes an act of terrorism, punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. They further face charges of importing firearms without proper authorization, in violation of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of Nigeria 2004.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.