Court Remands Three Men Over Alleged Attempt to Import Pump-Action Rifles
By Emmanuel Daniji
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of three men arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service over an alleged attempt to unlawfully import pump-action rifles and ammunition into Nigeria.
Justice Friday Ogazi ordered that Kenneth Mbonu, Kenneth Agwu and Choima Onuoha be kept in custody for 15 days to allow Customs investigators to complete their investigation into the alleged offence.
The suspects are to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until September 1, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the investigation or consider their possible arraignment.
The case involves a container marked TEMU 184536/9, which reportedly arrived at a Nigerian port aboard the vessel MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026. Customs officials allegedly discovered firearms and ammunition concealed inside the container during an examination conducted five days later.
The latest remand order follows an earlier directive by Justice Ogazi concerning two other suspects, Ejiogu Godson and Revert Eze, who were also detained in connection with the same consignment.
Customs, represented by lawyers David Ereh and Kehinde Bode-Ayeni, approached the court through an ex parte application seeking permission to keep the three men in custody while investigations continued.
The agency told the court that investigators were unable to conclude the inquiry within the constitutionally stipulated 24- or 48-hour period. It argued that the alleged offences were indictable and fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the application by Customs litigation officer N. Akpan, the investigation began after the agency received intelligence concerning the container.
The affidavit stated that the Customs Area Controller directed officers from the Enforcement Unit to monitor the container following its arrival on July 8. During its examination on July 13, officers allegedly discovered firearms and ammunition concealed inside, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
Customs further alleged that information obtained from the suspects led investigators to other individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged forgery and manipulation of Customs records used to facilitate the removal of the container.
The agency said efforts were ongoing to locate the other individuals allegedly connected to the case, while investigators continued gathering evidence.
Customs also told the court that the suspects had made statements under caution, which it described as voluntary and confessional. The agency argued that releasing them could compromise the investigation by allowing them to alert other suspects, frustrate further arrests or interfere with the recovery of evidence.
It therefore requested the 15-day remand period to enable investigators to complete their work and determine whether sufficient grounds existed for prosecution.
After considering the submissions, Justice Ogazi granted the application and ordered that Mbonu, Agwu and Onuoha remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service for 15 days.
The case was adjourned until September 1, 2026, for a report on the progress of the investigation or possible arraignment of the suspects.
