The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the remand of Ejiogu Godson and Robert Eze for 15 days over allegations that they were connected with the illegal importation of high-calibre firearms and ammunition into Nigeria.
Justice Friday Ogazi ordered that the two men be held in a Nigerian Correctional Service facility to enable the Nigeria Customs Service conclude its investigation and determine the appropriate charges to be filed against them.
The order followed an ex parte application marked FHC/LAG/CR/601/2026, filed and argued by Mrs Kehinde Bode-Ayeni of the Legal Services Department of the Nigeria Customs Service, Tin-Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos.
Bode-Ayeni told the court that the application was brought pursuant to Sections 294 and 295 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, relevant provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution and Order 46 Rule 4(d) of the Federal High Court Rules.
Customs maintained that there was probable cause to keep the suspects in custody while investigations into the alleged arms shipment continued.
The application was supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit deposed to by a Customs operative, N. Akpan, as well as a written address and documentary exhibits.
According to the affidavit, Customs officers acting on intelligence began monitoring container number TEMU 1845369 on July 8, 2026.
The container was subsequently examined on July 13, during which firearms and ammunition were allegedly discovered concealed inside. The court papers did not specify the quantity of firearms or ammunition allegedly recovered.
Customs said its investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Godson and Eze.
The Service further alleged that information obtained during the investigation pointed to other persons suspected of involvement in the forgery and manipulation of Customs records and documents connected with the shipment.
Akpan told the court that the suspects had made statements under caution which investigators regarded as confessional, although those statements have yet to be tested at trial.
Customs said efforts were still underway to trace and arrest other persons believed to be connected with the alleged operation.
The deponent explained that the scope of the investigation made it impossible for investigators to conclude their work within the constitutionally prescribed period of 24 or 48 hours, as officers were required to travel to other jurisdictions to recover exhibits and locate additional suspects.
Customs consequently asked the court to authorise their continued detention for 15 days, assuring the court that formal charges would be filed upon completion of the investigation where sufficient evidence existed.
Customs consequently asked the court to authorise their continued detention for 15 days, assuring the court that formal charges would be filed upon completion of the investigation where sufficient evidence existed.
After considering the application and accompanying processes, Justice Ogazi held that the request was meritorious.
“The application has merit and same is granted as prayed,” the judge held.
Justice Ogazi consequently ordered that Godson and Eze be remanded at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility for 15 days.
The matter was adjourned until August 25, 2026, for possible arraignment and further proceedings.
The two men have not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against them remain subject to investigation and determination by the court.