Court Remands Two Men Over Alleged Firearms Smuggling

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of two men, Ejiogu Godson and Robert Eze, for 15 days over alleged smuggling of high-calibre firearms and ammunition into Nigeria.

According to a report by News Dish, Justice Friday Ogazi issued the order on Friday to allow the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to conclude its investigation into the alleged offences and determine whether the suspects should be prosecuted.

The judge made the order while ruling on a motion ex-parte marked FHC/LAG/CR/601/2026, filed and argued by Kehinde Bode-Ayeni of the Legal Services Department of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tin-Can Island, Apapa, Lagos.

Bode-Ayeni asked the court to grant the application under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Federal High Court Rules.

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She told the court that there was sufficient basis to keep the suspects in custody while investigations into the alleged offences continued.

The application was supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit sworn to by N. Akpan, a Customs operative, alongside a written address and documentary exhibits.

According to the affidavit, Customs officers began monitoring a container numbered TEMU 1845369 on July 8, 2026, following credible intelligence.

The container was examined on July 13, during which officers allegedly discovered firearms and ammunition concealed inside it.

The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Godson and Eze, who allegedly provided information on other individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged forgery and manipulation of Customs records and documents.

The affidavit further stated that the suspects had made statements under caution, which investigators described as confessional, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other persons allegedly connected to the case.

Akpan told the court that the investigation could not reasonably be concluded within the constitutionally prescribed 24 or 48 hours, as investigators needed to travel to other jurisdictions to recover exhibits and apprehend additional suspects.

He also argued that releasing the suspects could compromise the investigation, alleging that they were aware of the whereabouts of other suspects who remained at large.

The Customs operative therefore urged the court to grant the 15-day remand order in the public interest to enable investigators to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation.

He added that formal charges would be filed against the suspects upon completion of the investigation for their arraignment and prosecution.

In his ruling, Justice Ogazi, after considering the submissions of counsel and examining the processes before the court, granted the application.

The judge ordered that the two suspects be remanded at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility and adjourned the case until August 25 for possible arraignment.