He said that the initiative was crucial in light of the security issues, especially in light of the recent Plateau killings on December 24, which resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people.

“An amendment bill allowing civilian firearm ownership must be introduced in the Senate. My bill on self-defense and firearms ownership regulation, currently listed in the Senate and awaiting its first reading, deals with this pressing issue.

“I am pleased that the topic has gained national significance, sparking diverse opinions and discussions that predominantly fall into two camps—one in opposition and the other in support.”

He also said, “It’s evident that the existing security measures have not been sufficient in safeguarding our communities.

“Allowing law-abiding citizens to possess firearms could potentially provide a sense of security and a means to protect themselves and their families from immediate threats.”

The Delta politician pointed out that many streams of control must be used to maintain control in order to prevent sabotage and misuse.

He said, “However, it is crucial to emphasise that the initiative to permit firearm ownership is accompanied by stringent regulations and comprehensive training.

“This approach ensures that firearms are in the hands of responsible individuals who understand the gravity of such ownership and are equipped to handle these weapons safely.

“The illegal smuggling of arms is a significant concern due to the prohibition on bearing arms. Introducing licensed dealerships for firearms could potentially address this issue by creating a regulated avenue for legal firearm acquisition.”

He added: “This move not only seeks to curtail illegal arms trafficking but also provides an opportunity for generating income through licensing fees and taxes imposed on these dealerships.

“The revenue generated from licensing fees and taxes on firearm dealerships could be allocated towards bolstering law enforcement agencies, improving security infrastructure, and implementing initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.”

According to Nwoko, in order to be eligible to own a firearm, a person must first obtain references from four doctors attesting to their mental health, the approval of the local government chairman for community validation, a traditional leader (like the king) who serves as a guarantor role, stressing cultural trust, and confirmation from the Divisional Police Officer confirming the absence of criminal activity.

He stated: “These requirements aim to ensure a comprehensive vetting process, emphasising mental fitness, community support, cultural ties, and a clean record for responsible firearm ownership.

“Proposed firearms for civilian ownership include single and double-barrel shotguns, pistols with a maximum capacity of six rounds, pump-action shotguns, and any other types suggested by the Ministry of Defence.

“This selection offers diverse options suitable for self-defense while emphasising control, regulation, and expert recommendations to ensure responsible ownership and mitigate potential risks associated with firearm possession.

“Nonetheless, this approach necessitates a meticulous regulatory framework and oversight to prevent any adverse consequences and prioritize public safety above all else.”

The post Why Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns – Ned Nwoko appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Emefiele for “illegal possession of a firearm”.

Emefiele is also seeking an order of the court discharging him of all offences preferred against him.

He said the federal government is in “brazen disobedience” of the subsisting orders of court granting him bail on July 25.

Emefiele wants the court to prohibit the government, through its agencies, from taking him before any other court unless it complies with the bail ruling.

The application was filed by Joseph Daudu, counsel to Emefiele, on Tuesday.

The application seeks to preserve and protect “the efficacy, majesty and integrity of the court as well as the rule of law in a democracy”.

FACE-OFF BETWEEN AGENCIES IN COURT

Emefiele has been in DSS custody since his arrest in June.

On July 25, he was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession” of firearms at a federal high court in Ikoyi and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million.

Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, had ordered that Emefiele be kept in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

But the DSS insisted that Emefiele must return to its custody — a development that led to the face-off between the secret police and prison officials.

After the face-off, DSS rearrested Emefiele on the court premises.

The secret service proceeded to file an application before a high court of the federal capital territory seeking to further detain the suspended CBN governor.

The application was struck out after it was withdrawn by the service over jurisdictional concerns.

On August 3, the federal government also filed an application before the federal high court in Lagos, seeking leave to appeal against the order granting bail to Emefiele.

In the application filed by Nkiru Jones-Nebo, a deputy director of public prosecutions of the federation, the federal government is also seeking a stay of execution of the order remanding Emefiele in the custody of the NCoS.

The federal government wants him remanded in the custody of the DSS instead.

Oweibo, the presiding judge, has fixed Thursday to hear the application.

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Justice Abiodun Adesodun held that a case of unlawful possession of firearms against Efi was proved beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecutuion.

The judge, however, gave Efi an option of N20,000 fine.

Adesosun said that the ingredients of attempted murder and armed robbery were not substantiated against Efi.

The judge discharged him on the counts of attempted murder and armed robbery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Efi had pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of attempted murder, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Prosecutor, Mr L. B. Ojo, had told the court that the defendant armed himself with a locally made pistol to rob and attempt to kill one Mr Adewumi Osasonna, who conveyed him from Ijigbo to Moferere on a commercial motorcycle .

He submitted that Efi committed the crimes on Ijigbo Roundabout in Ado Ekiti.

Ojo called one witness and tendered exhibits including statements of the defendant to the police.

Only Efi testified for the defence.

The post Ekiti student bags 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearms appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

They were arrested by the school’s disciplinary committee and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC for investigation.

Those in custody are Yusuf Ibrahim and Tasiu Yusuf; while Abubakar Harunna and Abduo-Ruaf Nura, said to be the owners of the locker in which the firearms were discovered, are still at large.

The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Muhammed Fari, explained that the suspects were arrested by the school authorities and brought to his office.

“The school wrote to us about these pupils, and thank God, before they wrote to us, they had already set up a disciplinary panel, which apprehended the boys and brought them to my office.

“Items discovered from them include a locally-made pistol, bow and other weapons. The parents of the suspects were invited and investigation has since ended. The suspects will soon be arraigned before the court of law.”

According to him, the involvement of the pupils in cultism and armed robbery cannot be ruled out, noting that the important thing was the recovery of the weapons from the suspects.

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The spokesman of the command, CSP Chike Oti, said that the suspects were undergoing interrogations.

“The first and second suspects, Wale Oye (37) and Ganiyu Ajiboluwa (47), were arrested on July 12, at about 5.45 p.m. by a team of Inspector-General of Police X-Squad operatives on patrol at Apple Junction, along Festac extension, Amuwo Odofin.

“A single barrel Mossverg pump action rifle with identification No. B/NO D512429, one Zirve Magnum pump action rifle with No. B/NO 45639 and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

“However, during interrogation, the suspects claimed the guns were given to them by one Mr. Dipo Olorunrinu, 47 years, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Lagos State House of Assembly, to escort him to a political rally,” Oti said in a statement.

The spokesman said that the lawmaker was arrested and he admitted ownership of the guns.

“To further prove that the weapons were his, he produced expired licences dated 2015 and 2016, respectively.

“He could not justify his refusal to surrender the guns during the window period offered in the last nationwide mop up of illegal firearms and ammunition exercise.

“Investigation is in progress and further findings on the matter will be communicated to the general public as usual,“ he said.

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Oko Micheal, deputy commander of Jigawa state NDLEA, confirmed that the suspect was arrested in the state on February 4, while the operatives were on normal operation around Jahun – Gujungu road.

According to Micheal, the suspect, identified as Salisu Mahmuda, was in possession of three locally fabricated firearms.

“The suspect, identified as Salisu Mahmuda was arrested on Sunday, February 4, 2018, with some three locally fabricated firearms (2 locally made revolver pistol, one cut to size revolver rifle) with five-rounds of live ammunition,” Micheal said.

The suspect, believed to be an indigene of Kaduna state, said he attended a school in Nasarawa where he later engaged in the collection of discarded metals between the state and Benue.

He alleged that a Tiv man and another Fulani man ordered the firearms.

He added that a schoolmate of his in Nasarawa linked him to a man in Labara village, Kano, who fabricated the arms for him.

“I am able to come down here through a friend of mine whom we schooled together in Nasarawa. He is the one that led me to the man that manufactured the firearms in Laraba village,” Mahmuda was quoted to have said.

The anti-drug agency said the suspect and recovered items would be transferred to the state police command for further investigation.

In January, a helicopter said to be loaded with arms and ammunition reportedly landed in a village in Taraba state.

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Governor Ambode said the completion and handing over of the centre located at Odunlami Street in Lagos Island, was a significant milestone and a symbolic manifestation of his administration’s policies in reforming the justice sector and in line with his vision to make the State safe for residents and investors.

He said the State Government, with the completion of the centre, is joining other advanced countries of the world which had embraced technology to make life easier for people in all spheres of existence.

He said: “From the domestic front to our places of work; from the way we learn, to doing business, the use of technology has become a way of life. You will therefore understand why our administration had no hesitation in approving this project which serves amongst other things, as an effective method of bringing perpetrators of crime to book and ensuring quick dispensation of justice.”

The Governor recalled that from inception, his administration realised the fact that security was key to good governance and sustainability of investment to make life better for the people, a development he said necessitated the heavy investment in security equipment, recruitment and training of security personnel to assist law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of public peace and security.

The interventions, Governor Ambode said, had translated into tremendous success by the reduction in the incidents of crimes in the State, adding that the DNA Centre was another move demonstrating the State Government’s resolve to stay ahead of criminals through scientific-led investigations.

Giving details of the DNA Centre, the Governor said the facility has capacity to provide the Police, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys and Private citizens with crime scene processing; serological screening for blood and semen; DNA analysis of bone, teeth and hair; maternal and paternal relationship DNA analysis; expert witness and case handling services; paternal and maternal ancestry DNA analysis; cold case file review and mass disaster human identification.

While assuring that the government would not rest on its oars in coming up with initiatives to secure the State, Governor Ambode said with the commissioning, the government would now move to the second stage of building additional capacity in the areas of Toxicology; Trace Evidence and Controlled Substance Analysis; Fingerprint and Latent prints; Firearms, Ballistics and Tool Marks; Digital Forensics; and Questioned Documents Examination.

According to him, “The development of these other forensic sections at the facility will complement the DNA forensic section and enhance the level of services offered today.

“Before now, most, if not all DNA analysis and testing were performed outside Nigeria, a situation that caused longer turn-around times and an overall higher cost of bringing closure to a case.

“I am therefore convinced that the establishment of the Lagos DNA & Forensic Centre will improve the speed and quality of evidence collected to assist our Courts in the quick dispensation of justice. This centre is a definite boost for our administration’s Justice Sector reform programme. It shows that our covenant with Lagosians to create a safe and secure State is being kept,” Governor Ambode said.

In his welcome address, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem said the centre would assist the State to have a reliable DNA database that would enable investigators and law enforcement officers identify crime patterns and suspects, and also help exonerate or convict suspects.

On his part, the Consul General of United States Embassy in Lagos, John Bray congratulated Governor Ambode and the people of the State for successfully completing the building of “the first DNA Forensic Centre not only in Nigeria but in West Africa,” saying that the development would enhance justice and progress.

Bray, who had worked as a law enforcement officer in United States for twenty-five years before being posted to Lagos, said the State Government deserved commendation for the foresight and vision to undertake such project as the DNA Forensic centre, adding that there was no question about the fact that the facility is of world class standard.

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin represented by Rear Admiral Lawal Modu Adams said the centre was a significant milestone in the country’s fight against all forms of crime including terrorism.

Also, Lagos State Acting Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal said the completion of the centre was another first by the Lagos State Government and one of the greatest moves by any state government towards boosting security and justice delivery.

He said with the opening of the centre, the State Police Command would now reopen unresolved high-profile cases hitherto frustrated by lack of solid evidence.

“I am perhaps the happiest person here today because this will enhance my job. We have a lot of pending high profile cases that we have not resolved yet. These cases, we intend to revisit with this new centre coming on board,” the CP said.

The post Lagos commissions first state owned DNA forensic centre in West Africa appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Joseph Attah, customs spokesman, who confirmed this on Monday, said the weapons – pump action rifles – were imported from Turkey.

“We have seized 1,100 weapons at Lagos port. They came from Turkey. Investigation has commenced. A customs officer, who is a suspect has been arrested. A clerk there (at the Tin-Can Island command) has been arrested as well,” Attah said.

In January, the service also disclosed that it seized 661 firearms on Apapa road, which were in truck headed for an unknown destination.

No further information has been given on the previous busts, but the customs spokesman told TheCable that the service concluded its investigation and handed its findings over to the Department of State Services (DSS).

TheCable could not reach the DSS for comments because the agency does not have a dedicated mobile line for communication.

The post Customs seizes 1,100 illegal firearms at Lagos port appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The warning is coming on the heels of reports credited to members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), threatening to carry arms in self defence against the Nigerian nation.

Arase warned that anybody who dares security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, and make life difficult for law abiding citizens, will face dare consequences of their actions.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the IGP further cautioned “the IPOB members to follow appropriate avenues in ventilating their grievances as anybody who steps out of bounds will be decisively dealt with.

“Consequently, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of the country.”

The Inspector-General of Police assured that the Nigeria Police Force, complemented by other security agencies in the country, will tirelessly and assiduously work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder, while reassuring Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security.

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The service, in a statement by a DSS official, Tony Opuiyo, on Monday in Abuja, said Dasuki was charged to court for owning firearms without license.

The DSS had, on July 16, 2015, carried out a search operation on the ex-NSA’s residences in Asokoro, Abuja, and Sokoto, where its operatives claimed to have recovered seven high calibre rifles, including magazines and military gears at the houses located at 13, John Khadya Street, and 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both in Asokoro, Abuja, and 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

The agency also recovered 12 new vehicles, including five bullet-proof cars from Dasuki’s house, the ownership of which could not be explained by the embattled former NSA, and which investigators believe must have been purchased with proceeds of corruption.

The DSS had claimed that it searched Dasuki’s homes “based on credible intelligence linking the imme­diate past NSA with alleged plans to com­mit treasonable felony against the Nigerian State.”

In the statement on Monday, the service said it charged him to court based on evidence so far obtained, which relates to possession of fire arms without license punishable under section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004.

The statement reads, “You may recall that on July 16, 2015, the Department of State Services carried out a search operation on properties belonging to the immediate past National Security Adviser, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Col/rtd), in Abuja and Sokoto.

“This action was necessitated by credible intelligence which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security. The search operation led to the recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition, among other things and for which further investigation was conducted.

“​Consequently, on Monday 24, August, 2015, he was charged to court based on evidence so far obtained, but which relates to possession of fire arms without license punishable under section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004.”

The service said Dasuki’s arraignment was in line with democratic practice and “our avowed commitment to the rule of law, in which nobody is deemed to be above the law no matter how highly placed in the society.”

It added that the public would be duly informed as the matter progresses.

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