Court Remands Alleged Firearms Smuggler
A Lagos Federal High Court, has ordered the remand of an alleged firearms smuggler, Buraimo Taofeek Olaoluwa, in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), till August 18, when his bail application will be argued and determined.
Justice Akintayo Aluko who presided over the court, made the remand order, after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a count-charge, brought against him by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS).
The defendant a resident of 2, Fisayo Street, Asherifa, lle-Ife Osun State, according to the NCS, smuggled into the country, high caliber and sophisticated firearms and ammunition.
He was alleged to have committed the alleged crime, on March 18, 2022, at about 3. 45a.m.
Some of the weapons illegally brought into the country by the defendant includes: five Tavour of 21 556mm Isreali Rifles, one Sword, Seven pieces of OCK Pistol, Five M191 Pistol US Army, 28 Pieces of Colt Defence Hartford, 50 pieces of Rifle Slings, 40 Pieces of Gun Powder, Thirty Pieces of Rifle Butts and Glasses, 16 packs of Silencer and 10 batteries (Small).
It also include; 20 pieces of empty Shell ammunition, four pistol holders (Common Hastlers), 5 articulated Telescope, Six empty magazines, four Tricol, 20 low Visibility Carbain, one carton of gun powder, rifle accessories, One machine gun Stand (Tripod) one AK rifle design and telescope, One SM 16 23523 rifle and telescope, One Rimington assorted rifle and telescope.
The offences according to the prosecutor, B. G. Falade, contravened section 47(1)(2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 and punishable under same section of the same Act.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was read to him.
Following to his not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date. He also urged the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the charge.
But the defendant’s lawyer, Ayo O., asked the court for a short date to enable him file his client’s bail application.
Justice Aluko after listened to counsel’s submissions, adjourned the matter till August 18, for hearing of the defendant’s bail application.
The judge however ordered that the defendant be remanded in the NCoS’ custody, till the hearing and determination of his bail application.