In Osun: Artisans Arraigned Over Alleged Illegal Possession Of Firearms

By Yuisuf Abdul Aziiz

A 22-year-old electrician, Akeem Kareem, and Mukaila Ibrahim, a tiler were on Thursday arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, over an alleged possession of firearms, and cult related activities.

They were prosecuted on a 5-count charge of conspiracy, firearms possession, cultism, among others.

The Prosecutor, Sergeant Duro Adekunle informed the court that the accused persons on September 12,2017, at Oja-Oba area, Osogbo were caught with firearms and also confirmed to have belonged to an unlawful society known as “Eiye confraternity.

He added that the accused on the said date and place unlawfully possessed two live cartridges, which they could not give the satisfactory account of the source of the ammunition.

Adekunle explained that the offence committed by the accused is contrary to and punishable under Section 64(a)(b) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume.II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

He noted that the offence contravened section 8 and punishable under section 27(1)(b)(ii) of the Firearms Act Cap F.28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the 5-count charge preferred against them while their counsel, Barrister Tunbosun Oladipupo applied for bail on behalf of the accused in the most liberal terms, adding that the offences are bailable.

The Magistrate, Fatimah Sodamade granted the bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety and adjourned the case till November 2, for hearing