The Federal Government, through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, is set to arraign 10 individuals on charges of terrorism in connection with the N4 billion illegal importation of firearms and ammunition into Nigeria. The suspects will appear in court today (Monday).
The investigation into the case, which involves a large cache of arms intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service in June, has been completed. During an operation at Onne Port in Port Harcourt, the Customs Service uncovered a 40-foot container concealing 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition. These weapons were reportedly hidden within everyday items like doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.
The container, originating from Turkey, had an estimated duty-paid value of N4 billion. Following the interception, 10 suspects were arrested in Abuja. According to sources from the arms control centre, they will be charged before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charge sheet, viewed on Sunday, lists the defendants as Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo. They face four charges, including terrorism, illegal arms importation, and forgery.
The defendants allegedly conspired with others still at large to import the prohibited firearms and ammunition, concealing them within plumbing materials in a container with registration number MAEU-9165396. This offense violates Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Federal Government also accused the group of altering the bill of lading, changing the consignment’s origin from Ola Gold Maratine Services to Dan Autos Limited. They further diverted the container’s movement to WAX Logistics Limited in an effort to cover up their illegal activity.
Additionally, the suspects were charged with transporting dangerous weapons aboard a Maersk Vigo ship, violating Nigeria’s national security and ECOWAS regulations on small arms and light weapons. These acts are punishable under Section 39(1) (a) (i) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Ofoma, Charles, and their accomplices allegedly imported the firearms without proper licensing, a violation of Section 18 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (a) (iii) of the same Act.
