45-year-old female gunrunner collapses in court

A 45-year-old female arms dealer, Victoria Alabi, has collapsed before Justice N.E. Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

Alabi was arraigned alongside Morufu Balogun, 43, over the alleged sale of 390,70 rounds of ammunition and cartridges.

Arraigned on Thursday, November 14, the duo had pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge against them.

The charges against the suspects bordered on unlawful dealing, illegal sale, aiding and abetting as well as participation in terrorism.

However, just as the charges were being read to the defendants, Alabi collapsed in the dock, throwing occupants of the courtroom into a state of confusion and panic.

She was, however, revived by court staff who put in effort to rescue the first defendant.

Addressing the court, the lawyer to the defendant, Olalade Gbolagade informed the judge that his client’s health had deteriorated over time.

He added that his client had earlier been rushed to the University College Hospital while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The lawyer further asked the court to grant the first defendant bail due to her health challenge.

He also applied for bail for the second defendant.

In his ruling, the judge ordered the DSS to make provision for adequate treatment for the defendants. He also adjourned the matter to November 28, for a ruling on the bail applications.