The trial of the presiding pastor of the House on the Rock Church in Abuja, Uche Aigbe, on charges of alleged unlawful possession of a firearm, was postponed on Tuesday in Abuja due to the absence of his counsel in court.
According to PRNigeria the counsel, Uche Uzukwu was not in court as he said he had other engagements before the an Election petition tribunal which was confirmed by the Magistrate, Abdulaziz Ismail.
Magistrate Ismail noted that the adjournment was at the instance of the defence counsel whom he said was absent from court due to a matter he had at an election tribunal and so adjourned the matter in the interest of justice until May 2 for the continuation of trial.
The police had charged Uche Aigbe, Promise Ukachukwu, and Olakunle Ogunleye with criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearm, inciting disturbance, and criminal intimidation which they pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution counsel, Assistant Police Commisioner, Mr James Idachaba had informed the court that the defendants got the firearm from inspector Musa Audu, attached to Wuye Division posted on guard duty at the church venue.
According to a statement released by the FCT Police, the said police inspector has been arrested because it was unprofessional for him to release his firearm without permission.
He added that the defendants used the firearm for an illustration while preaching a sermon about faith in the church. The prosecution counsel alleged that the defendants made inciting and intimidating statements to the church congregation that could cause alarm and breach of peace.
“Some people are looking for my trouble. And I came here prepared.
“Today, there are some pastors with the gift of divination who go about ripping people. This is why we should carry our ‘guns’ and defend ourselves. I will particularly be coming very soon for some of you sleeping in the church.” The pastor said
The offense is punishable under Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004 and contravened Sections 97, 114 and 397 of the penal code.
According to the Public Relations Officer, Police Force Headquarters, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who said no one is allowed to bear AK-47 in Nigeria except an officer and so the Pastor has a case to answer.
“But if it's true, the pastor will have a case to answer. AK47??. It falls under prohibited Firearms in Nigeria, and no one bears it except an officer of the law, and not all of them have the right, selected sec operatives, but no individual has the right to bear it.
“The FCT police command will investigate it. I trust the new CP FCT, CP Sadiq,.. it's shocking,” Adejobi said.
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