The trial of the 11 suspects taken to court by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in connection with the illegal importation of 844 assorted firearms and 112,500 rounds of ammunition has been adjourned to 9th May, 2025.
A statement by the Director, Strategic Communications
and Information, NCCSALW, Group Captain Pius Okwuego said on the same date, the Court will also hear the third bail application filed on behalf of the first and second defendants.
The matter was adjourned for the continuation of cross-examination of the second Prosecution Witness by counsel representing the third to eleventh defendants.
It would be recalled that the suspects connected with the illegal importation of 844 assorted firearms and 112,500 rounds of ammunition concealed within a 40-foot container intercepted at Onne Port in June 2024, were arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja sat on Friday, 4 April 2025, in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/463/2024 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ali Samson Ofoma and ten others .
During the proceedings, the prosecution made further amendments to the existing charges, adding an additional defendant (one Ejiofor Ogbu Jude) to the matter.
The eleven defendants were re-arraigned on a six-count charge as follows:
1. Conspiracy to illegally import prohibited firearms and ammunition, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
2. Altering of a forged document (Bill of Lading), contrary to Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, LFN 2004.
3. Transportation of prohibited weapons in a manner prejudicial to national security, contrary to Section 39(1)(a)(i) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
4. Importation of firearms and ammunition without requisite licence or authority, contrary to Section 18 and punishable under Section 27(a)(iii) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, LFN 2004.
5. Supporting the clearing of prohibited firearms and ammunition, contrary to Section 13(1)(a) and punishable under Section 13(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
6. Providing funds and resources to facilitate the commission of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 21(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Prosecution, led by Mrs Chioma Onuegbu, Director of Legal Services at the NCCSALW, called its second witness, retired Major General AD Chinoko, who was examined-in-chief and subsequently cross-examined by counsel to the first and second defendants.
The National Centre says it remains committed to its mandate of ensuring that Nigeria is safe from the dangers posed by illegal SALW.
The statement also said NCCSALW will continue to work closely with relevant security agencies and international partners to apprehend all individuals involved in illicit trade and other acts promoting SALW proliferation. The centre equally assured the public of providing updates as court proceedings continue.
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