The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Firearms

  • Nigerien, others paraded for impersonation, illegal possession of firearms

    The Police in Sokoto State has confirmed the arrest of a Nigerien, Idi Abdullahi, for parading himself as a military personnel.

    Abdullahi was intercepted by a crack team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). He was found in possession of a pistol and pump action with 7 rounds of live ammunition and 76 rounds of cartridges respectively.

    Other items recovered from the suspect include an axe, two mobile phones and six SIM cards.

    The spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, who paraded the suspect, said Abdullahi claimed to be in Sokoto for hunting, but investigation showed that such arms were not used for hunting.

    She said: “He is not for hunting, and we found him with a Kasea motorcycle, Army camouflage uniform and an international passport.

    “He claimed to have license and permission of his country to bear the arms.”

    Abdullahi said Ibrahim, a policeman in Niger Republic, bought the arms for him and obtained the license through Sule of Niamey, Niger Republic.

    The spokesman also announced the arrest of Aminu Abubakar, a.k.a Sheshe Baba, for impersonation and turning his home to a mini- police station. Sheshe, according to Nwawe was arrested on March 12. He had been on the run before now.

    She said: “We found the suspect with a police uniform which he uses to extort money from the public. Our investigation showed that he was dismissed, but now uses his uniform to carry out his activities.

    “A police shirt, sweater and a t-shirt were recovered from his home.”

    Umar Muhammad Mabera was also nabbed for impersonating Senator Abdullahi Danbaba Damboa’s aide and collecting money from parents, saying the Senator was offering 50 per cent scholarship to students.

    He works with Illela Local Government Area.

    “He has been to three schools telling students to tell their parents, who in turn gave money. He has been to Success Academy, Global Kids and Blue Crescent schools, where he issued tellers as receipt to his victims.

    “The parents reported to the police and we swung into action, leading to his arrest.

    “All suspects would be charged to court after investigations,” she added.

  • Police set up task force on illegal firearms

    Police set up task force on illegal firearms

    Enugu State Police Command has set up a task force to mop-up illegal fire arms and ammunition.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, recently directed commissioners to recover prohibited firearms.

    Police Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Danmallam spoke yesterday while briefing reporters on the directive.

    He said the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Frank Idu, had been appointed to head the task force.

    Danmallam said the task force comprised personnel from State and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department and mobile police units.

    “The task force will ensure the mop-up of illegal fire arms and ammunition as well as stop militia groups.

    “The task force will ensure that everybody holding illegal fire arms and ammunition will be prosecuted,” he said.

    The commissioner urged persons with firearms and ammunition to re-verify and revalidate them in the command within 14 days.

    He said anyone caught with illegal firearms and ammunition would be prosecuted.

    “If you have firearms and ammunition with expired licence or not duly registered, you must re-verify and revalidate at the command now,” Danmallam said.

    He said the enforcement would be total and urged the public to give information on people holding such illegal firearms and ammunition to the police.

    “Everybody should assist the police on this issue; the public, especially reporters will do well to give us intelligence information,” the police boss said.

    He said the state had no militia group and had remained peaceful for over two years.

  • Police arraign four over illegal possession of firearms

    Police arraign four over illegal possession of firearms

    The Police have arraigned four men, Sunday Sowole ; Adeleke Muideen ; Adisa Lesi and Peter Apata before Otta Magistrate’s  Court, Ogun State for unlawful possession of firearms and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

    The police accused the suspects of threatening violence for the purpose of securing entry into one Chief Abass Oke landed property and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 4 of the prohibition laws of Ogun State.

    The suspects are further accused of hiring suspected cultists armed with guns, axe and cutlasses causing breach of peace in the community on January 12 2018.

    After the arraignment by the police prosecutor Sergeant M. Abdulkareem , the presiding magistrate, Mrs. B.B Adebowale granted the suspects bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties that have houses and two years tax clearance.

    The case was adjourned to Feb 22, 2018.

  • Three jailed 12 months for illegal firearms possession

    An Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced three persons to 12 months imprisonment each for possession of illegal firearms.

    The convicts, Ayo Olatunji, Isaiah Idanedanegbe and Ugbo Ogie, were found guilty on a charge of illegal possession of firearms.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Igho Braimah, who delivered the judgment, however, gave them an option of fine of N50, 000 each.

    She said while the prison term would run concurrently, the fine option of N50, 000 would be cumulative.

    Braimah ordered that the firearms be forfeited to the government and handed over to the police.

    Before the judgment, counsel to Idanedaegbe, Mr. I.B. Omoifo, asked the magistrate to be lenient with his client, who was a first offender.

    He noted that being a young man with potential and having been of good behaviour through the trial, his client should be cautioned and discharged.

    “He is a young man who has been of good behaviour through this trial. I urge the court to consider this. It is only human to err.

    “I am also urging this court to consider the fact that this young man has no previous criminal record. I plead passionately for the second accused to be cautioned and discharged,” Omoifo said.

    The judgment brings to an end, the case of the three men, who were first arraigned before the court on March 31, 2014.

    The charge stated that the offence was committed on October 12, 2012, near Edaiken Primary School Road at Uselu in Benin City.

  • 7-day ultimatum for Illegal firearms owners in Niger

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has lamented the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the rural communities in the state.

    Consequently, the Governor has given a seven-day ultimatum to individuals or group of people in possession of illegal firearms in the state to surrender them to the appropriate authority.

    According to Bello, unlike in the past when gun running was only limited to the metropolitan cities, villages in the state now have cases of gun running.

    In a state broadcast on the recent security challenges in some communities of Bosso local government area of the state, the Governor warned of grave consequences for failure to surrender such illegal firearms stressing that the state will not be safe haven for criminals.

    He bemoaned the invasion of some villages in the state by cattle rustlers, kidnappers, banditry, armed robbers and other nefarious activities being committed by criminally minded persons.

    “We must rise now to fight this menace. To achieve this task successfully, we must pay attention to what happens in our homes, villages and communities. We must make security of our environment our business by reporting any suspicious movement or activities around us to security agencies”, he said.

    On the military/communal clash, he said that the government have set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to look into the cause of the clash and how to prevent a reoccurance.

    He maintained that the sad incident of the clash was not a true reflection of what the people and the state were known for.

    The Governor further stated that the restriction of motorcycle movement from 7pm to 6am in the state capital and major cities in the state is still enforce until further notice adding that he has directed for stop and search operation as a result of the prevailing security challenges in state of recent.

    He urged the people to bear with the attendant discomfort they will be subjected to as the decision to introduce these measures were taken in the interest of all.

    “The sad and emerging violent culture in our various communities is not a true reflection of who we are or what we stand for, and belief in as a people. We cannot at this crucial point in our development as a state allow minor differences that can be mutually discussed and resolved to bring us to daggers drawn at one another”, he said.

    He commended the role played by the Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Faruk Bahago for ensuring that peace returned back to the communities and has also directed Niger State Emergency Maintenance Agency (NSEMA) to provide relief materials to the affected families of the injured and displaced persons.

  • Two in court over robbery, unlawful possession of arms

    Two male suspects identified as Jeremiah Kalu, 24years and Onuoha Okpani, 27years amongst others now at large have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Agalaba, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia for allegedly possessing firearms unlawfully and conspiring to carry out a robbery operation.

    Kalu and Okpani who were arraigned before the court on a five count charge, Nation gathered were arrested by the Ohuru Isimiri Police Division, under Aba Area Command by a team of Police detectives led by the DPO, Superintendent of Police (SP) Titus Anayo Ugwuoke on a tip off stormed on May 28, Osusu Umuikpeghi, Umukalika communities and Glass Industry roads where their gang was operating on that fateful day, leading to their arrest.

    Other members of the gang are currently under at large as police operatives have launched manhunt on them.

    The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Emmason Okoroafor in the charge sheet with registration number, MAG/21C/2016 told the court that security operatives from Ohuru Isimiri were able to recover two Itel android handsets valued at fifty thousand naira, blackberry handset valued at sixty thousand, and Samsung Android phone valued at fifty thousand naira, and the sum of four thousand naira cash from Jeremiah Kalu and Onuoha Okpani said to be property of their victims identified as Helen Eze, Onyeka Ezugha, Chinyere Nwadinma and one Madam Joy Samuel respectively.

    According to ASP Okoroafor, the sum of thirty thousand naira cash suspected to be money they snatched from their victims were equally recovered by the police team.

    The Prosecutor claimed that the five count charges against the suspects contravened sections 5(6), 1(2) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap. 398 laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Abia State.

    The suspects did not take plea while the trial magistrate who said that the court doesn’t have the jurisdiction to try the matter and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Aba Federal Prison.

    The Magistrate ordered that the case file be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice and also directed the prosecutor should report back to the court on July 14 for compliance.

  • Reps to IGP: Don’t replace firearms with stun guns

    Reps to IGP: Don’t replace firearms with stun guns

    The House of Representatives yesterday called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to shelve the plan to introduce stun guns to replace firearms for the force till such a time when the state of insecurity in the country would have abated reasonably.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion by a member, Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji and the adoption of the prayers of the motion.

    It was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs

    Oladimeji while presenting the motion said the Inspector General of Police recently announced that the Nigerian Police Force will soon replace firearms with stun guns as part of measures to reduce casualties resulting from misuse of firearms by police personnel.

    The lawmakers noted “the current high rate of robberies, kidnappings, abductions and general insecurity of lives and property in Nigeria which need strong, conceited and unrelenting efforts of well- equipped police force to combat.”

    The lawmakers expressed doubt that stun guns, being an electric shock weapon or an incapacitating weapon that momentarily disables with an electric shock, will reduce incidents of extrajudicial and accidental killings by policemen in the course of their official duties.

    He further said: “many of the incidents of extra- judicial killings in which the police have been implicated had to do with the demand for bribes and refusal of the victims to comply. Besides, many of the police personnel involved in those incidents allegedly acted under the influence of alcohol and narcotics which largely impaired their sense of judgment.”

    He said that the replacement of firearms with stun guns will expose the officers and citizenry in danger in the hands of hoodlums who possess more powerful weapons.

    The House subsequently stopped the plans replacement and also urged the Nigerian Police to regularly train their personnel in the proper use of firearms and how to relate with the civil populace.

    The lawmakers further urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that strict disciplinary actions are meted out to officers found drunk on duty.

  • Driver, guard remanded for unlawful possession of guns

    Driver, guard remanded for unlawful possession of guns

    Two men, Okechukwu Achinulo, 27, and Ogbuefi Emmanuel, 60, were Wednesday remanded by a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Igbosere for allegedly being ‎in unlawful possession of firearms.

    Magistrate O. Kusanu (Mrs.) ordered that Achinulo, a driver, and Emmanuel, a security consultant, be committed to custody pending legal advice from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    Achinulo, a resident of No. 1 Amudalabu Street, Ikotun Egbe and Emmanuel, of No. 15 Sarah Fagboyode Street, Asamu Estate, Ejigbo, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms preferred against them by the police.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Innocent Odugbo told the court that at about 10:15am sometime in February, 2015 in Ikotun, the defendants and others still at large, allegedly conspired to commit the offences.

    He claimed that Achinulo stole three Jojeff double-barreled guns and seven Jojeff pump-action guns valued at N2million, all property of one Ezebunwa Donatus.

    The prosecutor also alleged that Emmanuel ‎received five of the prohibited guns valued at N800,000 from Achinulo, without a license from the Inspector-General of Police.

    He added that the offences are punishable under Sections 409, 285, 326 and 28 (b) (1) of the Firearms Act Cap 146 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    The defendants’ pleas were, however, not taken and the case was adjourned till February 24.

     

  • IGP orders strict monitoring of firearms usage

    IGP orders strict monitoring of firearms usage

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, on Wednesday called on senior police officers to monitor strictly the use of firearms and ammunition by officers under them.

    The Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), ACP Olabisi Kolawole, disclosed the IGP’s order in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Kolawole said the order was sequel to some alleged killings by drunken and trigger-happy policemen in different parts of the country.

    He said that Arase expressed sadness over unlawful killings and restated the need for Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners and Area Commanders of various commands and units to monitor strictly the usage of firearms.

    According to him, police personnel are supposed to account for arms and ammunition signed out to him or her to the supervisor.

    “No policeman is allowed to dispense any bullet without accounting for it to the supervising officer.

    “No police man is allowed to kill unlawfully. It is an offence to be drunk while in uniform and carrying gun.

    “Policemen have been trained on how and when to use the fire arms,’’ Kolawole told NAN on telephone.

    “They are not allowed to shoot indiscriminately. Policemen attached to anybody can only use firearms if the person they are attached to is in danger.

    “It is wrong for a policeman attached to an individual to start shooting into the air in a party or any other function where nobody is under threat.

    “Any one caught doing so unlawfully will face the law. The supervising officers are advised to monitor their men because they will answer questions if anything goes wrong.’’

    On the policemen that have allegedly killed, the police boss said they would face the law after dismissal.

    NAN recalls that within the last one week, a drunken Police Sergeant killed three friends and himself in Lagos, while another killed three persons in Enugu State.

  • Lecturer in court for alleged illegal possession of arms

    Lecturer in court for alleged illegal possession of arms

    The trial of a 62-year-old lecturer of Igbinedion University, Okada, Anyanwu Longinus Obialor, for an alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, commenced Thursday at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court.

    Obialor was docked on June 14, 2011, after his arrest by the police at Zone 2 Command, Onikan in Lagos Island, for allegedly being in possession of one Saiga Assault Rifle with serial number 1109109159 and a PFG Pistol with serial number PUY47 at the airport without ‘any lawful and satisfactory answer’ as to how he came about them.

    He was re-arraigned Thursday before another Magistrate, Mrs J.O. Adepoju, after the matter was transferred from the Ojokoro Division of the court.

    The prosecutor, Inspector Haruna Ibrahim, informed the court that the accused was also found in possession of ‘350 assorted types of ammunitions’.

    The magistrate denied the defendant’s request made through his counsel, Mr. Osagie Akioya, for the matter to be struck out and ordered that the case be tried de novo (anew).

    Mr. Osagie had informed the court that Mr. Obialor was a lecturer at the Igbinedion University, Okada, and resided in Benin.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of illegal possession of arms and ammunitions contrary to and punishable under Section 428 (d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, vol. ii, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

    The magistrate then granted him bail on the same terms as in June 2011 – in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.

    “The sureties must show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government for the past five years. One of the sureties must also be a civil servant on Grade level 12 and above or with landed property. The case was adjourned till November 15 and 16 for trial,” the Magistrate said.