Uche Aigbe, the Presiding Pastor of House on the Rock in Abuja, currently facing illegal firearms charges, has taken legal action against the proceedings of his trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Aigbe, along with Olakunle Ogunleye and Promise Ukachukwu, was brought before the FCT Magistrates’ Court at Zuba in 2023 on charges related to possession of a prohibited firearm, inciting disturbance, and abetting illegal possession of a firearm.
The controversy arose when Aigbe wielded an AK-47 rifle during a Sunday church service in February 2023 to illustrate his sermon titled “Guarding Your Faith,” prompting police action under Section 3 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Law of the Federation.
In Monday’s proceedings at the FCT High Court, Aigbe’s lawyer, P.H. Ogbole (SAN), presented a Motion on Notice seeking a judicial review of the trial’s proceedings, alleging violations of their fundamental rights to a fair hearing.
Ogbole highlighted instances where he believed the magistrates’ court overstepped its bounds, including the admission of evidence without proper scrutiny.
He urged the high court to intervene and rectify these perceived injustices.
However, counsel for the Commissioner of Police, Inah Umoh, countered, arguing that the trial court had acted within its jurisdiction and urging the high court to allow the proceedings to continue.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi scheduled May 15 for a ruling on the application, signaling a pivotal moment in Pastor Aigbe’s legal battle.
