By Vivian Okejeme
The trial of three Pastors charged with allegation of illegal possession of prohibited firearms, was stalled, due to the absence of the defence counsel.
The police is prosecuting Uche Aigbe, Promise Ukachukwu and Olakunle Ogunleye, over alleged criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearm, inciting disturbance and criminal intimidation.
According to the Police, the offence was punishable under Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004 and contravened Section 97, 114 and 397 of the Penal Code.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.
At the resumed trial, the Magistrate, Abdulaziz Ismail of the Magistrate court sitting in Zuba, brought to the attention of the court a letter written by the defence counsel, Uche Uzukwu seeking an adjournment due to a matter he had at the election tribunal.
Consequently, he adjourned the matter in the interest of justice until May 2 for hearing.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants, all of House on the Rock, the Refuge Church, Wuye, Abuja conspired amongst themselves to obtain an illegal AK47 rifle on Feb.12.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr James Idachaba said that the defendants got the firearm from Insp. Musa Audu, attached to Wuye Division, posted on guard duty at the said church.
He added that the defendants used the firearm for an illustration while preaching a sermon about faith in the church.
The prosecuting counsel said the defendants made inciting and intimidating statements to the congregation that could cause alarm and breach of peace.
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