Three remanded for gun possession, unlawful society membership in Lagos
By Sodiq Adelakun
Three men have been remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Center in Lagos State, for allegedly possessing a gun and belonging to an unlawful society.
The defendants, Solomon Samuel, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Moses Ogundepo, were brought before the Sabo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Yaba, on Monday.
They are facing charges of conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and belonging to an unlawful society.
The court ordered their detention pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Peter Nwaka, did not allow the defendants to enter their pleas. Instead, he instructed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and send a copy to the State DPP for legal advice.
The case has been adjourned until September 28. According to the Prosecutor, SP Thomas Nurudeen, the defendants committed the alleged offences on July 23 at Ojumola Street in the Lagos Magisterial District.
Nurudeen claimed that the defendants, along with others who are still at large, were members of an unlawful society and were found in possession of a locally made single barrel gun.
The charges against the defendants carry serious penalties under Nigerian law. If found guilty, they could face imprisonment and fines.
The court’s decision to remand them in custody reflects the seriousness of the allegations against them.
The case will now await the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will review the evidence and provide guidance on how to proceed.
The court’s decision to adjourn the case until September 28 allows time for the legal advice to be obtained and for the defendants to prepare their defense. It also gives the prosecution an opportunity to gather any additional evidence or witnesses that may be necessary for the trial.
However, the possession of firearms and involvement in unlawful societies are serious issues that can contribute to crime and insecurity in society.
The outcome of this case will depend on the evidence presented and the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense. It is essential that the legal process is followed diligently to ensure a fair and just resolution.
The offences, Nurudeen said, contravened Sections 2 (3) (a) (b), 27 (1) (a) (b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
