Teenager in court over alleged unlawful possession of firearm

Published By Auwal Ahmad Last updated Jun 22, 2021

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Teenager in court over alleged unlawful possession of firearm

A teenager, Prosper Gilbert, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm.

Nineteen-year-old Gilbert, who resides at Sangotedo area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Kehinde Ajayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences with some other persons still at large on March 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Ajah area of Lagos.

Ajayi said that the police searched the defendant and found with him, a locally-made single-barrel gun with a live catridge.

She said that the defendant could not give any satisfactory explanations on why he was in possession of the firearm.

Ajayi said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 330(d), 312(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 330(d) stipulates seven years’ jail term for illegal possession of firearm, while Section 411 provides for two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Ajibade, who did not grant the defendant bail, adjoured the case until July 19 for trial. (NAN)