Court arraigns 5 for alleged possession of firearms

Five men were on Friday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for alleged possession of firearms and belonging to an unlawful society.
The defendants are: Ibrahim Rufai, 50; Adekola Ayinde, 27; Ogundele Timilehin, 27; Riliwan Sarafa, 28, and John Folorunsho, 28.
They are being tried on a five-count charge of conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and belonging to an unlawful society.
All the defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Dec. 3, at Apple Junction, Festac Town, Lagos.
Momah alleged that the defendants and others still at large, assembled themselves as members of an unlawful society and had in their possession a locally made Barreta pistol.
She said that Folorunsho on Dec. 11, 2022 allegedly obstructed and aided the escape of one Omoey, who is now at large.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 42, 121, 117, 330 (a) (c) (d) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
Newsmen reports that Section 42 stipulates a three-year jail term for offences relating to unlawful society for offenders found guilty.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Olatunbosun, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two responsible sureties each in like sum.
Olatunbosun directed that all sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and should show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until Feb. 20 for mention.