2 charged with unlawful possession of gun in Lagos

Two men, Toheeb Alowonle, 20 and Bidemi Agbor, 28 charged with unlawful possession of a gun were on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendants, both of whom reside in Ikorodu, Lagos, however, pleaded innocence to the charges of conspiracy, belonging to an unlawful society and unlawful possession of firearms.

The prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Ajayi, told the court that the defendants and others still at large, committed the offences on Feb.10 at Ogolonto, Ikorodu, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants, who belonged to an unlawful society called ‘Eiye’ and ‘Aiye’ confraternity, were found to be unlawfully in possession of a gun.

Ajayi told the court that police officers, acting on a tip off, swooped on them while performing their alleged illegal activities.

“When the defendants and accomplices sighted the police, they took to their heels.

“The defendants were arrested while others escaped.

“When searched, a gun and one unexpended live cartridge were found on them,” Ajayi said.

According to him, the offences violate Sections 42, 51 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reports state that section 42 carries three years’ imprisonment for belonging to an unlawful society, while section 411 attracts two years for conspiracy for convicted offenders.

Magistrate Mrs A .S Odusanya granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties.

Odusanya said the sureties should be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions.

He adjourned the case until March 25.