Suspected Female Arms Dealer Collapses in Court During Arraignment

A suspected arms dealer, Victoria Alabi, 45, collapsed in the dock at a Federal High Court in Ibadan on Thursday during her arraignment on charges of illegal arms dealing and aiding terrorism. Alabi, accused of selling 390,700 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, was brought to court alongside co-defendant Morufu Balogun, 43.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the five charges, which include unlawful arms dealing, illegal sales, aiding and abetting, and participation in terrorism. The incident caused brief panic in the courtroom, prompting court staff and lawyers to assist Alabi as she fainted when the charges were read.

Defense counsel Olalade Gbolagade informed the court of Alabi’s deteriorating health, noting that she had been hospitalized previously while in Department of State Services (DSS) custody. Gbolagade requested bail for Alabi on medical grounds and extended the application to her co-defendant, Balogun.

Presiding Judge Justice N.E. Maha ordered the DSS to provide adequate medical care for both defendants and scheduled a ruling on the bail application for November 28.

According to DSS prosecutor Victor Alma, Alabi was arrested in August 2023 in the Egbeda-Mosafejo area of Ibadan, allegedly in possession of a large cache of ammunition. The prosecutor further alleged that Balogun, residing in Alafara, Ido Local Government Area, purchased unlicensed cartridges from a dealer identified as Michael and subsequently sold some to another individual.

Alma stated that the alleged actions violate the Terrorism and Prevention Act, 2022.