By John Omoaka
An Apapa Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday began the trial of four men – Uzoma Chukwuma, Kingsley Mgbejume, Joseph Orji and Tochukwu Aniebona – for allegedly having in their possession one pump action rifle at Five Star Terminal, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos.
The trial began with the prosecution witness, Jimoh Sikiru, who testified that he was instructed by the Tin Can Port Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to commence the investigation of the prohibited item found inside the vehicle.
The prosecutor, Alexander Esebamen told the court that the defendants committed the offence on October 31, 2017 at the terminal.
Esebamen said the defendants had in their possession one pump action rifle service number 81416 which they could not give satisfactory account for.
According to him, the offence contravened Sections 411 and 330(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm.
Chief Magistrate A.O. Awogboro adjourned the case till June 13, 2018 for cross-examination.
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