A prosecution witness, Mr Raman Olayinka, on Monday, told a Federal High Court in Ibadan that Victoria Alabi, the first defendant, was being prosecuted over failure to report to security agencies her husband’s alleged engagement in arms dealing and terrorism.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alabi, 45, and Morufu Balogun, 43, have since November 2024, been facing a five-count charge of unlawful dealing in arms, illegal sale of arms, aiding and abetting terrorism as well as participation in terrorism.
However, the duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Olayinka, an officer in the Department of State Service (DSS) made the assertion in his testimony before Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, at the resumption of the trial.
The witness further added that the defendant also owned the house where the dangerous weapons were kept and found.
“My lord, we arrested the first defendant, Alabi because her husband, Michael Alabi, who is our primary target, is nowhere to be found.
“She is well aware that Michael is into illegal arms dealing with terrorists, but she did not report same to security agencies.
“Also, the building, in which the 89070 cartridges of live ammunition were stored and found, belongs to her,” he said.
Olayinka stated that Michael had abandoned his wife and had since disappeared into thin air.
He also submitted that the second defendant, Balogun was arrested because he was allegedly a business associate of Michael and bought arms from him.
Subsequently, Justice Maha adjourned the suit until Oct. 7 for continuation of trial.
NAN recalls that on the day of arraignment, Alabi collapsed in the dock and the development brought about panic in the courtroom, forcing some court workers to quickly rush to rescue her. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni
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