An Abuja Upper area Court in Karu, on Friday, remanded a 30-year-old student, Abubakar Umar in Keffi Prison for alleged possession of firearms and ammunition.
Umar was arraigned by the police on a charge of unlawful possession of firearms, contrary to Section 3 and punishable under Section 27 of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was arraigned before the Presiding Judge, Umar Kagarko.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Atteh Effiong of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Abuja Command, told the court that the accused was arrested following a tip-off from an undisclosed source.
Effiong said that a team of policemen led by Insp. Kingsley Ojeomokha got the information that the accused had some arms and ammunition in his possession and swung into action immediately.
He said the policemen searched Umar’s house and some deadly weapons such as locally-made pistol, 13 live ammunition and other weapons were found.
The prosecutor added that the accused was not arrested then but four men and a lady who were believed to be part of his syndicate were arrested in his house and arraigned in a magistrates’ court.
He noted that the accused ran away but was later arrested in Kogi by State Security Service officers and headed him over to the police for prosecution.
Effiong then objected the bail application by the accused’s counsel on the grounds that investigation was ongoing and granting Umar bail would affect the investigation.
In his ruling, Kagarko said: “in view of the prosecutor’s objection, the accused person is hereby remanded in prison custody’’ and adjourned the case to Feb. 3, 2014 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)
