Pastor in Abuja, Aigbe, accused of illegally possessing an AK-47 rifle
Comment
In a recent ruling, a Chief Magistrate Court situated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has determined that Uche Aigbe, the Presiding Pastor of House On The Rock Church, must address a criminal case involving his possession of prohibited firearms. Chief Magistrate Abubakar Ismail dismissed the no-case submission presented by Pastor Aigbe, asserting that the objection to proceeding with the trial lacked both validity and substance.
Delivering a concise decision on Thursday in Zuba, Magistrate Ismail concluded that the totality of the evidence provided up to this point effectively establishes a connection between the defendant and the charges brought against him by law enforcement.
The Police had leveled charges against Uche Aigbe, Promise Ukachukwu, and Olakunle Ogunleye, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, incitement of disturbance, and criminal intimidation. The defendants entered pleas of not guilty to these charges.
According to the Police’s allegations, the defendants, all affiliated with House on the Rock Church in Wuye, Abuja, allegedly collaborated to illicitly possess an AK47 rifle on February 12, 2023. The prosecution, led by Assistant Police Commissioner James Idachaba, informed the court that the defendants obtained the firearm from Inspector Musa Audu, who was assigned to the Wuye Division and was on guard duty at the mentioned Church.
The prosecution further contended that the defendants employed the firearm as a visual aid during a sermon about faith within the Church. It was also claimed that the defendants made statements inciting and intimidating the congregation, potentially leading to unrest and a breach of peace.
The alleged offense falls under the purview of Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004, and is deemed to contravene Sections 97, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code.
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