An ex-US marine called Donn Perkins has been arraigned by the Nigerian Customs Service for importing firearms into the country. The incident took place at Tin-Can Island, Apapa, Lagos, in February 2023, where he was arrested and charged with a four-count offence. The charges were presented before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The prosecutor presenting the case, Mrs Kehinde Bode-Ayeni, listed several weapons that Perkins was arrested with, including a 5.56mm AK47 rifle (Tavor), a Ruger magnum.357 revolver, and an XD 45 pistol. In total, 1,064 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition and 119 rounds of .357mm live ammunition were recovered. Bode-Ayeni stated that the arms and ammunition were concealed in a 1×20-foot container with serial number TGHU0S010362 and were imported illegally.
According to Bode-Ayeni, the offence committed by Perkins contravened Sections 18 and 19 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended), and he is liable to be punished under Section 27 (1) (a) (lil) of the same Act. However, the American pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor demanded a trial date and for Perkins to be remanded in prison custody until the determination of the charge. Perkins’ lawyer, Blessing Jaiyeola, pleaded with the court to remand her client in the complainant’s custody. Justice Awogboro requested his immediate remand in the custody of the Nigerian Customs Service. The case has been adjourned until June 6th and 7th 2023, for the commencement of trial.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The public is advised to avoid any form of illegal activities that may have serious consequences under the law.
