The Nigerian Customs Service have arraigned a suspected arms trafficker before Justice Saliu Saidu of the federal high court in Lagos on multiple counts of illegal importation of firearms and forgery.
The suspect, Ifeoluwa Moses Christ is being prosecuted for allegedly importing 1,570 pieces of pump action rifles into Nigeria.
This development comes against the backdrop of serious concerns in the polity that the impending general elections could trigger deadly violence in certain parts of the country.
The accused, who identifies himself as a clearing agent was alleged to have illegally conspired with a limited liability company, Great James Oil and Gas Ltd, Ayogu Great James and Emeka Umeh Festus a.k.a. Amankwa (said to be at large) to import 1,570 pieces of pump action rifles into Nigeria between the 6th and 20th November, 2017, using a 1 by 20ft container marked GESU 2555208.
He is accused of conniving with others to tamper with a bill of lading marked ISB0281398 issued on 28th July, 2017, by altering its originating location and contents thereby deceiving customs agents. The accused however pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
While adjourning the case to 21 November, 2018 for commencement of trial, Justice Saidu however remanded the suspect in custody pending the filing and acceptance of a formal bail application