Police Arraign Man For Unlawful Firearm Possession, False Information In Lagos
The Nigeria Police on Wednesday arraigned a 65-year-old man, Charles Atideka, before the Igbosere Magistrate Court in Lagos State on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and providing false information.
The defendant is accused of possessing an American-made Beretta Pistol (Smith & Wesson model) and falsely accusing his late sister’s children of attempting to kill him over a property dispute.
Atideka faces three counts of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and giving false information. Prosecutor Inspector Cyriacus Osuji told the court that the offences occurred on September 7, 2023, at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.
According to the prosecution, Atideka falsely claimed in a petition to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, dated September 4, 2023, that his late sister’s children, Segun and Daniel Asogba, invaded his residence armed with the firearm in question. The police allege this information was knowingly false.
The prosecutor further stated that Atideka unlawfully possessed the pistol, which he purported belonged to the Asogba brothers amid their ongoing property dispute.
The offences contravene Sections 411 and 96 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015, and Section 27(1)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Atideka pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Oluwatosin Adejobi granted him bail set at N2 million, with two sureties of like sum. The sureties are required to be gainfully employed, present proof of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State government, and provide valid identification.
Until he meets the bail conditions, Atideka is to remain in custody at the Correctional Centre.
The case has been adjourned until January 30, 2025, for mention.
