The suspects will appear in court at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Emeka Nwite.

On Monday, ten suspects are scheduled to appear in court on terrorism-related charges related to their purported role in the illicit importation of weapons and ammunition valued at N4 billion in June 2024.

It has been stated that the weapons and ammunition were smuggled into the nation hidden inside a variety of objects, including leather bags, doors, furniture, and plumbing fixtures.

844 illegal firearms and 112,500 cartridge rounds were among the weapons taken; they were concealed within a 40-foot container.

The ten defendants—Ali Ofoma, Okechukwu Charles, Kingsley Chinasa, Oroghodo Maxwell, Akinkuade Segun, Augustine Elechi, Osumini Kennedy, Ajala Ojo, Faboro Oluwatimilehin, and Tolulope Ogundepo—were charged by the Federal Government through the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Four counts against them include forgery, illicit arms importation, and terrorism.

According to court records, in an effort to hide their illicit actions, the defendants planned to change the bill of lading from Ola Gold Maritime Services to Dan Autos Limited and reroute the container’s delivery path.

The charges, which were submitted in accordance with Miscellaneous Offences Act Section 3(6), emphasise the seriousness of the offence, which is seen as a major danger to national security.

The charges read as follows: “That on or about June 20, 2024, at Onne Port Terminal, and following your subsequent arrest in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, you, Ofoma, Charles, and others still at large, knowingly and intentionally committed an act of terrorism along with others at large.”

by bringing into the nation on board the Maersk Vigo Ship, with bill of lading number 238921355, container number MAEU-9165396, illegal firearms and hazardous materials.

“According to Section 39(1)(a)(i) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, this act was judged to be detrimental to national security and a violation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.”

In addition, it said that Ofoma, Charles, and the other suspects were charged with violating Section 18 of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, by bringing weapons and ammunition into the nation without the required permits or authorisation. This offence is punishable under Section 27(a)(iii) of the same Act.