A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of three men arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over an alleged attempt to unlawfully import pump-action rifles and ammunition into Nigeria.
Justice Friday Ogazi ordered that Kenneth Mbonu, Kenneth Agwu and Choima Onuoha be kept in custody for 15 days to allow Customs investigators to complete their investigation.
The suspects are to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until September 1, 2026, when the court will receive an update on the investigation or consider their possible arraignment.
The case involves a container marked TEMU 184536/9, which reportedly arrived at a Nigerian port aboard the vessel MV VELIKA on July 8, 2026.
According to Customs, officers examined the container five days later and allegedly discovered firearms and ammunition concealed inside, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
The latest remand order follows an earlier directive by Justice Ogazi concerning two other suspects, Ejiogu Godson and Revert Eze, who were also detained in connection with the same consignment.
Customs approached the court through an ex parte application, asking for permission to keep the three suspects in custody while investigations continued.
The agency said investigators could not conclude the inquiry within the constitutionally stipulated 24- or 48-hour period, noting that the alleged offences were indictable and fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Customs also told the court that its Legal Unit at the Tin Can Island Area Command would prosecute the suspects if investigators established a prima facie case.
In an affidavit filed before the court, a litigation officer, N. Akpan, said the investigation began after Customs received intelligence concerning the container.
According to the affidavit, the Customs Area Controller directed officers attached to the Enforcement Unit to monitor the container after its arrival.
During the examination on July 13, officers allegedly found firearms and ammunition concealed inside the container.
Customs said the investigation was later expanded after information allegedly provided by the suspects pointed investigators towards other individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged forgery and manipulation of Customs records used to facilitate the removal of the container.
The agency said efforts were ongoing to locate the other individuals allegedly connected to the case.
Customs further told the court that the three suspects had made statements under caution, which it described as voluntary and confessional.
The agency argued that releasing them could compromise the investigation, alleging that they might alert other suspects, frustrate further arrests or interfere with the recovery of relevant evidence.
Justice Ogazi subsequently granted the 15-day remand application and ordered that the three suspects remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The case was adjourned until September 1, 2026, for an update on the investigation or possible arraignment.
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