By WANDOO SOMBO

The Federal Government on Monday, arraigned one Godgive Ishiagwo in the Federal High Court, Abuja over alleged terrorism, impersonation and operating an illegal organisation.

Ishiagwo is charged with unlawful assumption of office, establishment of an unauthorised organisation, and obtaining funds under false pretences.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant unlawfully presented himself as the National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, a government agency charged with coordinating and controlling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

According to the charge, the defendant falsely represented himself as an officer of the agency in furtherance of unlawful activities, contrary to Section 30 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The federal government further accused Ishiagwo of establishing an illegal organisation known as the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism without authorisation.

The prosecution said the act was prejudicial to national security and constituted an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendant was also alleged to have fraudulently obtained money from members of the public by falsely presenting himself as an authorised agent of the Nigerian government through purported staff recruitment and employment opportunities in the illegal organisation.

However, Ishiagwo pleaded not guilty to all four counts when they were read to him.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Peter Asimegbe, urged the court to admit his client to bail to enable him prepare adequately for his defence.

Asimegbe also informed the court that the defendant was asthmatic and had allegedly fainted twice while in detention.

Responding, the prosecuting counsel, Ms U. Ekuerhare, told the court that although the offences were bailable, the granting of bail remained at the discretion of the court.

Justice Peter Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter until May 25 for ruling on the bail application. (NAN)

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