An Abuja Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Wuse Zone 2 has sentenced Muhammed Sani and Usman Muhammed to one year imprisonment each for conspiracy and illegal possession of an AK-47 rifle.
Chief Magistrate I, Moriyike Osunbajo handed down the sentence after finding the defendants guilty under Section 27(1)(C) and (5) of the Firearms Act 2007.
The court sentenced the duo to six months for conspiracy and one year for illegal possession of the firearm, but ordered the sentences to run concurrently without an option of fine.
The case followed the recovery of an AK-47 rifle without a bridge number and a magazine containing 30 rounds of live ammunition during a police investigation.
During the proceedings, Sani admitted ownership of the firearm, saying he bought it to protect his cattle from suspected rustlers. He pleaded with the court for leniency, expressing concern over his two wives and seven children.
However, Usman, a provision seller, denied involvement in the purchase of the firearm. He told the court that Sani had only visited his shop to seek advice on acquiring a gun for the protection of his cattle.
The prosecution called Inspector Abiloma Shehu, attached to the Force Intelligence Department, who testified that he recognised the defendants and recovered the firearm.
Shehu also told the court that the AK-47 had deteriorated due to where it was hidden.
In her judgment, Magistrate Osunbajo said she considered the nature and circumstances of the offence before imposing the one-year sentence on each defendant.