AP: The trial over an illegal arms shipment from Iran seized in Nigeria has started.
The Associated Press
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) – The trial over an illegal arms shipment from Iran seized in Nigeria has started.
Iranian citizen Azim Aghajani and Nigerian Usman Abbas Jega appeared in Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday to face charges accusing them of orchestrating the illegal arms shipment. The two men have pleaded not guilty.
Nigerian security officials found 13 containers full of 107 mm artillery rockets, rifle rounds and other weapons in a shipment marked as containing building materials on Oct. 26.
Authorities have said the shipment was bound for Gambia, while Nigerian officials say the weapons were intended to be used by politicians over the coming April elections.
Nigeria has reported Iran to the U.N. over the shipment and Gambia has cut its diplomatic ties with Tehran.
