Abuja Pastor’s AK-47 Incident Leads to Criminal Case
A Chief Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has issued a significant ruling regarding the case of Uche Aigbe, a pastor associated with the House on the Rock church in Abuja.
Aigbe, who caused a commotion by entering a church service carrying an AK-47 rifle on February 12, 2023, is now facing a criminal case related to the prohibited firearm found in his possession.
The incident took place during one of the church’s busy services, drawing attention and concern due to the presence of the firearm.
Chief Magistrate Abubakar Ismail dismissed Aigbe’s attempt to have the case thrown out, ruling that the objections raised lacked validity and substance.
During the ruling in Zuba on Thursday, Magistrate Ismail determined that the evidence presented so far effectively links the defendant to the charges brought against him by the Police.
Uche Aigbe, along with Promise Ukachukwu and Olakunle Ogunleye, were charged with several offenses including criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, inciting disturbance, and criminal intimidation.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution counsel, Assistant Police Commissioner James Idachaba, the defendants obtained the firearm from Inspector Musa Audu, who was stationed at the Wuye Division and assigned to guard duty at the church.
The offenses mentioned fall under various sections of the law, including Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004, as well as Sections 97, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the case, signifying that Uche Aigbe and his co-defendants will indeed face trial for the alleged offenses they are charged with.
The incident has garnered significant attention and raised questions about the presence of firearms in places of worship and public spaces, prompting a wider conversation about security and the responsibilities of individuals in possession of such weapons.