FG charges Iranian, three others for arms importation

The federal government yesterday arraigned one Iranian and three Nigerians before a Magistrate Court in Abuja, for allegedly conspiring to import and importing containers loaded with assorted calibers of prohibited fire arms into Nigeria.

The accused persons are Azim Aghajani, an Iranian; Ali Usman Abbas Jega; Aliyu Oroji Wamako; and Muhammed Tukur Umar.

“The nature of information is Importation of prohibited firearms, contrary to section 27 (1) (a) (11) (111) of the Firearms Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Attempt to export prohibited firearms, contrary to section 27 (a) (1) (11) (111). That between 7th and 15th July 2010, Azim Aghajani, and Ali Usman Abbas Jega conspired to import and did import thirteen (13) twenty feet (13x20) containers loaded with assorted calibers of prohibited firearms consisting of 60mm mortars, 120m HE mortars, 81mm mortars, 107mm rockets, and 23 mm Apit fot gmzu 23 into Apapa Port, with the jurisdiction of this court. This is contrary to section 27 (a) (1) (11) (111) of the firearms Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“Also, that between 12th and 25th October 2010, Azim Aghajani, an Iranian, Ali Usman Abbas Jega, Aliyu Oroji Wamako, and Muhammed Tukur Umar conspired to import and did import thirteen (13) twenty feet (13x20) containers loaded with assorted calibers of prohibited firearms, consisting of 60mm mortars, 120m HE mortars, 81mm mortars, 107mm rockets, and 23 mm Apit for gmzu 23 into Apapa Port, with the jurisdiction of this court, to Banjul, Gambia. This is contrary to section 27 (a) (1) (11) (111) of the firearms Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Not guilty of bombing

The government, however, withdrew charges against two of the bomb suspects arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Cliff Osagie, the prosecutor, told the chief magistrate that in view of section 130 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), he was withdrawing the charges against the 3rd accused,

Ernest Nwosu, and the 5th accused, Emmanuel Pathfinder, based on investigations which revealed they are not linked with the alleged crime and that nothing incriminating against them was found.

The presiding magistrate, Oyebisi Oyinlola, summarily discharged the accused for having no link with the alleged offence.

Mr. Osagie also told the court that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will take over the prosecution of the matter as soon as investigation is completed and proper charges are brought against the accused persons.

The accused persons are Edmund Ebiware (1st); Rapheal Damfebo(2nd); Ernest Nwosu, 3rd (discharged); Emmanuel Allison (4th); Emmanuel Parthfinder, 5th (discharged); Obi Nwabuze, (6th); and Charlse Okah, (7th).

Mr. Oyinlola, however, adjourned the matter to December 8, to take argument on whether she has jurisdiction to entertain the matter or not, and January 17th for definite hearing.