A total of 10 suspects have been arraigned by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in connection with large-scale importation of prohibited firearms and ammunition into the country at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria's Capital.
The primary suspect, Ali Samson Ofoma, along with nine other accomplices, including Okechukwu Gabriel Charles, Kingsley Mbibi and Akinkuade Mayowa Segun, were arrested in Abuja.
A statement by the Director, Strategic Communicatione and Information, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Group Captain Pius Okwego said the arrest of the suspects was made possible through the deployment of the NCCSALWS intelligence architecture, in collaboration with other security agencies.
The statement further said the case is a follow-up from the interception of a 40-foot container at the Onne Port, Rivers State, on 20 June 2024, during an operation led by the Nigerian Customs Service.
The container, with registration number MAEU- 9165396, originating from Turkey, was discovered to be concealing 844 assorted firearms and 112,500 rounds of live cartridges within items such as plumbing materials and steel doors.
Investigations revealed that the case involves a well-organized smuggling ring, with alleged roles ranging from financing illegal importation of arms, to facilitating their clearing and logistics process. Falsified documents wеrе reportedly used to conceal the true contents of the container, which was falsely declared as spare parts and household items.
After their arrest, the suspects were charged under several provisions of Nigerian law including charges of conspiracy to import prohibited firearms, violating the Firearms Act, and engaging in terroris related offenses under the Tarturiem Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
The charges against the suspects further highlight their aleged involvement in attempts to destabilize national security through illegal arms trade.
The NCCSALW which operates under the authority of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is empowered by the newly assented Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Art 2024 to take responsibility for the prosecution of the case.
The NCCSALW said though the arraignment was initially scheduled for Monday, 9 September 2024, it was adjourned to Thursday, 12 September 2024, due to the absence of the layers of 2 of the defendants. The suspects were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja, and the case has been adjourned till 20th September 2024 for hearing. Meanwhile, investigations are still ongoing.
The National Centre under the guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said it is actively reinforcing its mandate to prevent the proliferation of illegal arms across Nigeria and remains committed to the mandate of ensuring that Nigeria is safe from the dangers posed by illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The centre equally expressed Its commitment to continue to work dosely with relevant security agencies and international partners to apprehend all individuals incolved in the illicit trade and other acts promoting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
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