The absence of a defence counsel, Uche Uzukwu, in a Zuba Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday stalled the trial of three clerics charged with illegal possession of prohibited firearms.
The police charged Uche Aigbe, Promise Ukachukwu and Olakunle Ogunleye with Criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of prohibited firearm, inciting disturbance and criminal intimidation which they pleaded not guilty to.
At the resumed trial, the Magistrate, Abdulaziz Ismail, brought to the attention of the court a letter written by Uzukwu seeking an adjournment.
Ismail said the adjournment was at the instance of the defence counsel who was absent due to a matter he had at the election tribunal.
He adjourned the matter in the interest of justice until May 2 for hearing.
The police had alleged that the defendants, member of the Refuge Church, Wuye, Abuja conspired amongst themselves to obtain an illegal AK47 rifle on February 12.
The prosecuting counsel, James Idachaba, said the defendants got the firearm from a police man, Musa Audu, attached to Wuye Division, posted on guard duty at the said church which he used for an illustration while preaching a sermon about faith in the church.
The prosecuting counsel said the defendants made inciting and intimidating statements to the congregation that could cause alarm and breach of peace.
