The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of 10 suspects accused of involvement in the illegal importation of firearms and ammunition worth ₦4 billion.
The alleged importation took place in June 2024.
The ten defendants—Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo—were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday on a six-count charge, including terrorism and illegal arms importation.
During their court appearance, all defendants pleaded not guilty. Various legal representatives appeared for eight of the defendants, while the 6th and 7th defendants had no legal counsel.
Although two lawyers, Deji Adeyanju and George Ogala, offered to represent them pro bono, the defendants declined, citing they would secure their legal representation.
The court, unable to proceed with the full arraignment due to the lack of legal representation for the 6th and 7th defendants, adjourned the case until September 9, 2024.
Justice Nwite also ordered that all defendants be remanded in the custody of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force until the next hearing.
