Man accused of supplying firearms to bandits arraigned in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday arraigned Jamilu Ibrahim, a resident of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara State, before a Federal High Court in Kano for allegedly possessing 837 rounds of live ammunition and 4 rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) chargers, contravening the Firearms Act and Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. 

Ibrahim was apprehended in Gano village, Warawa LGA of Kano State on February 19 this year. 

He was also accused of supplying weapons to bandits in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. 

Ibrahim pleaded not guilty to all charges read against him in court. 

His lawyer, Murtala Isa, sought bail for his client citing sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015. 

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However, the prosecution counsel, Hassana Habib Hassan, opposed the bail application, arguing that given the gravity of the offence and the charges against the suspect, he might abscond if granted bail. 

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman denied the bail application and ordered an expedited hearing of the case. 

The judge emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, acknowledging the presumption of innocence but asserting caution due to the nature of the charges involving violent crimes impacting citizens’ lives. 

The suspect was remanded in a custodial centre and the trial was adjourned until May 13. 

In a separate case, Jamila Shuaibu Armaya’u, a resident of Birane village in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, has opened her defence before Justice Muhammad Yunusa of the Federal High Court. 

Armaya’u was arrested in June 2023 allegedly in possession of live ammunition and 3 RPG launchers near the Police Academy Wudil, Kano.  

During her testimony led by her lawyer, Murtala Isa, Armaya’u claimed she was asleep when arrested and detained by DSS operatives, alleging she was subjected to beatings and torture to coerce a confession, which she resisted.

Justice Yunusa scheduled June 24 for the final adoption of written addresses in the case.