The Federal High Court has ordered the remand of three men suspected of illegally importing pump-action rifles into Nigeria following their arrest by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Justice Friday Ogazi ordered Kenneth Mbonu, Kenneth Agwu and Chima Onuoha to be held in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for 15 days, until 1 September 2026, after granting a remand application filed by the Customs.
The alleged firearms shipment was concealed in a container marked TEMU 184536/9, which arrived in Nigeria aboard MV Velika on 8 July 2026.
The order follows an earlier directive by the same court for the detention of two other suspects, Ejiogu Godson and Revert Eze, over their alleged involvement in the smuggling operation.
Arguing the application, counsel for the NCS, David Ereh and Kehinde Bode-Ayeni, told the court that the motion was filed pursuant to Sections 294 and 295 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Order 46 Rule 4(d) of the Federal High Court Rules.
The NCS sought permission to keep the suspects in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution, arguing that the nature of the alleged offences meant the investigation could not be completed within the constitutionally prescribed 24 or 48 hours.
In an affidavit supporting the application, litigation officer N. Akpan said the investigation followed credible intelligence received by officers of the Customs Enforcement Unit about the suspicious container.
According to Akpan, Customs officers, acting on the directive of the Customs Area Controller, monitored the container after its arrival on 8 July and conducted a physical examination on 13 July, during which firearms and ammunition were allegedly discovered concealed inside.
He said the discovery led to the arrest of the three suspects and the launch of further investigations into the alleged illegal importation.
Akpan further told the court that the suspects had provided information implicating other alleged accomplices in the forgery and manipulation of Customs documents purportedly used to facilitate the clearance of the container.
He said efforts were under way to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that the defendants had made voluntary statements under caution which Customs described as confessional.
The NCS warned that releasing the suspects on bail at this stage could jeopardise the investigation by allowing them to assist other suspects in evading arrest or tampering with evidence.
Counsel therefore urged the court to grant a 15-day remand order to allow investigators to conclude their inquiries in the public interest.
In his ruling, Justice Ogazi granted the application and ordered the three defendants to remain in NCoS custody for 15 days.
He adjourned the case until 1 September 2026 for an update on the progress of the investigation or the possible arraignment of the suspects.