By Ayodele Popoola

The Ondo State Police command today arraigned seven persons before a Magistrates’ Court in Akure over alleged unlawful possession of a gun and other weapons.

The defendants are; Bolagun Samuel AKA Container, 29, Jamiu Aliyu, 33, Olasoji Francis,33, Sule Ojo,30, Amodu Emmanuel, 51, Segun Omotoyinbo,27, and Ajayi Adejumo, 34.

The defendants whose addresses were not provided, were being tried on two charges of conspiracy, and illegal possession of dangerous weapons.

According to the prosecuting counsel, ASP Itunu Osobu, the men committed the offences on February 23, 2024, at about 10:50 am at the Army Checkpoint in Owo

He alleged that the defendants had in their possession one locally fabricated pistol, three axes, two hammers, Jack knives, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons which they could not give a reasonable account of them.

Osobu said the offences contravene Section 5(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap RII LFN, 2004

“The defendants were coming from Ifira Akoko and they were arrested inside a vehicle by the Military personnel at the checkpoint after a thorough search of their vehicle on their way to Owo,

“After interrogation, the defendants were detained and later handed over to the Police for more investigation,” he said.

The prosecutor through a remand application dated March 18, 2024, prayed the court to remand the defendant at the correctional centre pending advice from the State Department of Public Prosecution, DPP.

Lawyer to the defendants, prayed to the court for an adjournment to enable him file a reply to the application sought by the prosecution.

The Magistrate, Mrs W.O Dosunmu ordered the defendant to be remanded in Police custody and adjourned the case till March 27 for the reply and consideration of bail.