The Nigeria Police in Ekiti State have arraigned three men before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, authorities reported on Tuesday.

The accused—Idoko Sunday, 45, Olayiwola Olaide, 30, and Gabriel Sunday, 37—were charged with alleged involvement in a felony after being found in possession of a locally made pistol without proper licensing.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, the three suspects were apprehended in Iropora-Ekiti around 10 a.m. with the unlicensed weapon. The prosecution argued that their actions violated Section 421 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, as well as Section 27(b)(ii)(v) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

During the court proceedings, the defendants were represented by Barrister F. O. Falade, who applied for bail on their behalf. Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the application, setting bail at ₦25,000 for each defendant with one surety in like sum.

The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2025, for further hearing as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their possession of the illegal firearm.

This arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies across Nigeria to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms, which has been linked to various criminal activities in different parts of the country.