A Kasuwan Nama Upper Area Court, Jos, on Tuesday, sentenced a 38-year-old businessman, Tunde Akande, to 12 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of a locally-made pistol.

The judge, Mr Yahaya Mohammed, convicted Akande, as he pleaded guilty to a count charge of unlawful possession of a locally-made pistol levelled against him.

The judge, however, gave Akande N10,000 option of fine since he was a first time offender.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr F.A. Gabriel, told the court that the case was reported on March 22, at the Laranto Police Station, Jos.

Gabriel said that the case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigative Department for further investigation.

He said that the convict, who does his business at Farin-Gada Market, fought with a man, simply called Babaginda, who is also a businessman.

Gabriel said that Babaginda revealed to the market traders’ union that the convict had a pistol, and during the police investigation, the locally-made pistol was found in his possession.

He said that during the police investigation, the police discovered that the pistol was not licensed.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 27, Sub-section 1(A) (I) Sub-section B (ii) of the Firearms Act. Cap F28, LFN 2004.