Man in court for alleged unlawful possession of gun

A 27-year-old man, Mojeed Usman, on Thursday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for alleged unlawful possession of a gun.

The defendant is charged with the offences of intent to commit a felony, belonging to an unlawful society and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Prosecutor, ASP Bisi Ogunleye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Feb. 16 at Glover Street, Lagos.

Ogunleye said that the defendant, who belonged to “Aiye” confraternity, an unlawful society proscribed by the Federal Government, was unlawfully in possession of firearms when arrested.

“The defendant was found with a gun, one unexpended cartridge and two expended cartridges.

“When questioned, he could not give any explanation on how he got those arms,’’

Prosecutor told the court.

He said that the offences contravened sections 42 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reports state that section 42 prescribes three years’ jail term for belonging to an unlawful society.

Section 312 of the law also attracts three years for arming oneself with the intent to commit a felony.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Ejiro Kubeinje, granted the defendant N100,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Kubeinje said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until for April 20 further hearing.