The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that the Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Adejare Adegbenro, be remanded in Kuje prison.
Adegbenro was earlier arrested by Men of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force for alleged fraudulent activities in April.
Specifically, Adegbenro was arrested sequel to a result of an “extensive investigation into the alleged illegal fraudulent activities, impersonation of government officials and involvement in gun-running.”
He was subsequently arraigned at the FHC Abuja in Suit FHC/ABJ/CR/246/2024 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant and Adegbenro as the defendant.
One of the counts brought against him by the Nigerian government reads: “That you, ADEJARE REWANE ADEGBENRO AND OTHERS NOW AT LARGE, male adult, on or before the 17th day of April, 2024, at Government Secondary School, Tundun Wada Wuse Zone 4, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and intentionally conspire with others now at large to commit an act of terrorism, to Wit: You established an illegal Organization known as National Commission for The Coordination And Control Of Proliferation Of Small Arms, Ammunitions And Light Weapons “(NATCOM)” without authorization, thereby committing an act prejudicial to National Security, and you thereby committed an offence Punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
The count added: “That you ADEJARE REWANE ADEGBENRO AND OTHERS N… AT LARGE on or before the 17 of April, 2024, at the Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable court, committed to commit an offence, to wit: you established an illegal organization known as National Commission For The Coordination And Control Of Proliferation Of Small Arms, Ammunitions And Light Weapon (NATCOM)” without authorization, thereby committing an act prejudicial to national security and public safety punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
David Sunday appeared for the prosecution on Monday when the case came up.
Adegbenro was ordered to be remanded at the Kuje prison by the trial court during the hearing on Monday, 10th of June, 2024.
The case was thereafter adjourned to Monday, 17th June.
Originally published in SaharaReporters