The operatives of the Apapa Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) today arraigned the dou of Francis Pam Mordi and Akpemede Lisa, on alleged conspiracy and unlawful importation of firearms.
The two defendants were arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu in a charge marked FHC/L/648c/2025
The prosecutor, Mrs. O. Banjo, while arraigning the two defendants told the court that they were arrested on July 25, 2025, at APM Terminal, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Lagos State.
The prosecutor told the court that the two defendants committed the illegal act alongside one Mr Ijoke, said to be at large.
She told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves and unlawfully brought into the country, did import 187 cans of concealed cannabis, 2 pump action rifles, 25 cartridges, empty shells, 1 Smith. & Wesson Pistol 405&W with number HI50285 and 9MM Ammunitions-55
She told the court that the smuggled firearms were concealed in a Container NO. MRSU 6407089
The prosecutor told the court the the actions of the defendants, is contrary to 233(1)(b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and punishable under the same Section. And Section 418 of the Fire Arms Act, and punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(iii) of the Fire Arms Act.
The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Based on the defendants’ plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date. While also urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending trial.
However, Mr. Victor Opara (SAN), who represented the first defendant, Francis Pam Mordi, informed the court that he had filed his client bail application and urged the court.
In moving the bail application, Opara (SAN) informed the court that charges against his client were bailable one, which court can exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously.
The senior lawyer told the court that his client is ready for trial and that he will not jump bail if granted.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu after listening to the senior lawyer’s submission, admitted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum and others conditions.
The judge however adjourned to August 19, for hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.
Charges against the defendants read: “that you, Francis Pam Mordi (M), 47 Years, Akpemede Lisa (F) and Mr Ijoke at large, on or about 25th July, 2025, at APM Terminal, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, did import 187 cans of concealed cannabis, 2 pump action rifles, 25 cartridges, empty shells, 1 Smith. & Wesson Pistol 405&W with number HI50285 and 9MM Ammunitions, 55 all in Container NO. MRSU 6407089, contrary to Section 233(1) (b) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and punishable under the same Section.
That you, Francis Pam Mordi (M), 47 Years Akpemede Lisa (F) and Mr Ijoke at large, on or about the 25th July, 2025, at APM Terminal, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, did conspire to import 187 cans of concealed cannabis, 2 pump action rifles, 25 cartridges, empty shells, 1 Smith & Wesson Pistol 405&W with number HI50285 and SMM ammunitions 55 all in Container NO. MRSU 6407089, contrary to Section 233(1) (b) of the Nigeria Customs service Act, 2023, and punishable under the same Section.
“That you, Francis Pam Mordi (M), 47 Years, Akpemede Lisa (F) and Mr Ijoke at large, on or about the 25th July, 2025, at APM Terminal, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Lagos, did import 2 pump action rifles, 25 cartridges, empty shells, 1 Smith & Wesson Pistol 405&W with number HI50285 and 9MM ammunitions, 55 concealed in Container NO. MRSU 6407089 contrary to Section 418 of the Fire Arms Act, and punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(iii) of the Fire Arms Act.”
