Court Remands 16 Russians Over Arms Import

A Nigerian court in Lagos Friday remanded in prison 16 Russians sailors arrested in Nigerian territorial waters in possession of illegal firearms.

The magistrate court in Tinubu, Lagos gave the order sequel to an application filed by Police Legal Officer, Effiong Asuquo.

The accused persons were arrested on 18 October, 2012 by men of the Nigerian Navy. On searching their vessel, the naval men discovered 14 Ak-47 rifles with 3,643 ammunition and 20 benenni MRI 20mm barrel rifles with 4,995 ammunition .

The police prosecutor urged the court to remand them in prison custody pending when they will be arraigned before a court of proper jurisdiction.

The presiding magistrate, Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo acceded to the request of the prosecutor and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody.

He adjourned the matter till 28 January, 2013 for mention.

— Akin Kuponiyi