7 face trial over alleged possession of lethal weapons

The Police on Thursday arraigned seven men at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged possession of some lethal weapons.

The defendants – Olamilekan Alabi, 39; Alaba Olanrewaju, 45; Mondiu Odufeso, 49; Wasiu Isiaka, 45; Saka Alao, 45; Ahmed Rasaq, 55; and Musa Muraina, 35, all reside in Ajegunle area of Apapa, Lagos.

They are being charged with conspiracy and unlawful possession of dangerous weapons to which they pleaded not guilty.

According to the Prosecutor, DSP Peter Nwangwu, the defendants committed the offences on January 6 at 9:20pm in Olubukola Street, Ogbowaka, Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos.

Nwangwu said the defendants were caught with one AK 47 rifle, number 56-2566738, thirty-three 9.9 mm live ammunition and two AK 47 magazines.

He said the suspects were also in possession of a Jojef pump action rifle, two Magnum pump action rifles and one locally made double barrel short gun.

The prosecutor said that 53 unexpended life cartridges, 98 small Baretta live ammunition and two cartridge belts were also found on them.

Nwangwu said the accused were raided by the police having received an intelligence report and they could not give satisfactory account of how they got the weapons.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 330 (a), (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Yewande Aje-Afunwa, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N250, 000 each with two sureties each.

Aje-Afunwa said the sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until May 23 for mention. (NAN)