Former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has denied illegally importing massive cache of AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition into the country and handing them over to the police towards the end of his administration.
According to reports that had emerged Monday night, it was said that the ex-governor imported, without appropriate permits, one thousand AK-47 assault guns and four million rounds of ammunition.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amosun admitted handing over some armoured vehicles and light weapons to the Ogun State Police Command at the twilight of his government, but he vehemently denied that guns were involved in the handing over exercise.
Amosun further clarified that he imported the security hardware with the approval of the Presidency, under Goodluck Jonathan in 2012. He recalled that his government had committed “substantial funds” into procurement of hard and soft ware in 2012 in order to combat myriads of security challenges in the state, adding that the security gadgets were publicly handed over to the then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, in April, 2012.
He said it was remainder of gadgets that he handed over to the Commissioner of Police on May 28, but clarified that not a single AK 47 rifle was handed over at the event. Amosun also said the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, was the main supplier of some of the security assets, including the Armoured Personnel Carriers which he reportedly handed over to the police at the expiration of his tenure.
However, reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Abiodun Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun wondered why Amosun would mention his name in what he termed “arms scandal.” Abiodun described the statement as distracting or part of the grand plot to smear his name.
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