By NGOZI NJOKU

A 25-year-old student, Obinna Igwe, a suspected cult member, found in possession of a gun, on Thursday, appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

The police arraigned Igwe, a resident of Oremeji Street in Bariga, on three counts of conspiracy, unlawful possession of a gun, and unlawful possession of cartridges.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Bassey told the court that the defendant and his accomplices, still at large, committed the offences on Sept. 9, at 11:00 p.m. at Shobande Street, Akoka, Bariga, Lagos.

He said the police received a distress call that some suspected cult boys had gathered in the area, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Bariga Division, CSP Godwin Okploko, to lead a patrol team to the scene.

According to him, the suspects fled on sighting the police, but Igwe was arrested with the help of a security guard.

Bassey said one locally-made cut-to-size double-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from Igwe during the operation.

He said the offences contravened Sections 411 and 330 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Section 27 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The Magistrate, Mrs. O. A. Daodu, who did not take the plea of the defendant, ordered that the case file should be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

She further ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody and adjourned the case until Oct. 28, for mention. (NAN)