The presiding pastor of the Abuja chapter of the House on the Rock, Uche Aigbe, has been charged with unlawful possession of an AK-47 rifle.
The ruling was delivered by a Chief Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chief Magistrate Abubakar Ismail ruled against the no-case submission made by Pastor Uche Aigbe, asserting that there is a compelling case for the accused to answer regarding the prohibited firearm found in his possession.
The objection to trial, lodged by the Pastor, was deemed lacking in merit and substance by the Chief Magistrate.
The ruling, which took place at Zuba on Thursday, marks a significant development in the case.
Magistrate Ismail’s brief ruling emphasized that the evidence presented so far effectively links the defendant with the charges brought against him by the Police.
The legal proceedings stem from charges filed against Uche Aigbe, along with Promise Ukachukwu and Olakunle Ogunleye, encompassing criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, inciting disturbance, and criminal intimidation.
The trio entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Police Commissioner James Idachaba, informed the court that the defendants allegedly obtained the firearm from Inspector Musa Audu. Inspector Audu was attached to the Wuye Division and posted on guard duty at the church premises in question.
The charges brought against Uche Aigbe and his co-defendants fall under Section III of the Firearms Act CAP F28, LFN 2004. Additionally, they are said to contravene Sections 97, 114, and 397 of the Penal Code.
Earlier, on February 12th, The PUNCH reported that Uche Aigbe had allegedly taken the pulpit during the second service of the church while carrying an AK-47 rifle.
This event attracted widespread attention and prompted legal action against the accused.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case underscores the significance of adhering to firearm regulations and the implications of such actions, even in places of worship.
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