Ondo ex-council boss, others docked over illegal possession of arms

A former Chairman of Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Afolabi Mabogunje, was yesterday docked before an Akure Magistrate Court for illegal possession of firearms.
Also docked alongside the ex-council chairman was Chief Eniola Obasoto. Mr. Temitope Abiola, 40; Mr. Agun Adeniyi, 39; Mr. David Agunloye, 30; Mr. Apejoye Ayodeji, 30 and Boyede Owodara 27, were also brought before the court for the same offence and cult-related offences.
The charge sheet brought before the Chief Magistrate W. Daomi accused them of conspiracy to commit felony to wit unlawful possession of firearms among other allegations.
The suspects, who were arrested by the Special Anti-Cultism squad headed by John Mark, a Chief Superintendent of Police, were brought to the court amidst tight security.
The suspects were accused of 10-count charge of being in possession unlawfully of one locally made revolver pistol and one Russian double-barrelled gun and therefore committed an offence publishable under Section 6(b) cap R11 Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, laws of the federation 2004.
It stated: “That you Afolabi Adedayo Mabogunje, Temitope Abiola and Agun Adeniyi and others now at large, on September 21, did have in your possession one locally made revolver pistol and one Russian double-barrelled gun, which you unlawfully have under your control in contravention of firearms act and therefore committed an offence publishable under Section 6(b) cap R11 Robbery and Firearms (special provision) Act, laws of the federation 2004.”
Mabogunje was accused of illegal procurement of the firearms from Abiola, while Obasoto was accused of supplying the former council boss with some packets of cartridges and ammunition, contrary to Sections 6 (b) and (c) of the firearms act.
Others, including Abiola, Adeniyi, Owadara and Ayodeji and others at large, were accused of arming themselves with firearms and being members of secret cults, including Eiye and Ayee, contrary to Section 39 vol 11 laws of Ondo State, 2006.
However, the Chief Magistrate Daomi said the accused bail application and plea would be taken on today.