The Senate, Wednesday, passed a Bill that prescribes three year jail term for illegal importer or marketer of firearms in Nigeria or a fine of N5 million.
The Bill titled: “Firearms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021” was read for the third time and passed after the lawmakers considered the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matter.
The Bill contains amendments to some Sections of the main Act ranging from imposition of fine to the destruction of firearms illegally imported into the country by an individual or group.
In Section 27 of the Act which deals with fines and penalties for offences, the Senate increased the penalty from N1,000 to N5 million or imprisonment for three years, or both.
The lawmakers agreed that the upward review of the penalty is necessary so as to check illegal importation and sales of firearms in Nigeria.
