- The accused, aged between 13 and 57, were arrested on July 18, 2024, at Airport Road, Benin, Edo State
A local government chairman and nine members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were arraigned on Thursday before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja’s Dutse Magisterial District.
The group, including a 13-year-old boy, was remanded in prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms.
The accused, aged between 13 and 57, were arrested on July 18, 2024, at Airport Road, Benin, Edo State.
They had been held in police custody until their arraignment, just weeks ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election set for September 21.
According to the charge sheet (No: CR/DUT/714/24), the group was found in possession of AK-47 rifles, pistols, and other prohibited firearms, violating sections of the Firearms Act CAP F28 Laws of Nigeria. They also allegedly held live ammunition, including 10 pump-action cartridges and six rounds of Beretta pistol ammunition. The charges, filed by Prosecuting Counsel Audu Garba on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, carry significant penalties under the Firearms Act.
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