Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Lagos has admitted as exhibit documents said to have emanated from Turkish’s government, affirming that One Ayogu Great James, bought riffles from the country.
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James is currently standing trial before the court, along with his company, Great James Oil and Gas Limited and two other persons, Mr. Festus Emeka Umeh and Ifeuwa Moses Christ, on charges bordering conspiracy, forgery and unlawful importation of 1570 pump action guns into the country and altering of Customs’ documents.
They were alleged to have committed the offenses between September 6 to 20, 2017.
The accused are being prosecuted by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
At the resumed trial of the accused on Friday, the prosecutor, Mr. Julius Ajakaiye, told the court that the business of the day was a continuation of cross-examination of the sixth Prosecution Witness in the matter, Mr. Ali Abubakar, who was later called into the witness box.
However, Mr. Wale Adeshokan (SAN) counsel to the third defendant, Christ, before commencing his cross-examination with the witness, told the court that they are to be served with additional prove evidence by the prosecution.
The said additional prove of evidence was the official letter from the Turkish Embassy on the smuggled riffles.
Responding, the prosecutor, Mr. Ajakaiye, told the court that the defendant has not officially requested for it, which he said was the normal procedure.
But with the court’s intervention, the letter dated July 30, 2018, with reference number: 540.18/18,52, addressed to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali, was released to the defense and same was tendered, admitted and marked as Exhibit GJ 23.
During cross-examination, the witness told the court that the third defendant is the shipper of the consignment. While added that the shipper and the cargo agent are not the same.
He also the court that the third defendant was not the inspection agent.
Upon conclusion of the cross-examination of the sixth witness, the prosecutor, Mr. Ajakaiye, sought an adjournment, which was not opposed by the defence. Justice Saidu consequently adjourned further hearing of the charge till March 2 and 3, 2020
