The Delta State Police Command has arrested one Igbunu Evans for allegedly purchasing a firearm via Snapchat after he was found in possession of a Beretta pistol.
Bright Edafe, the state Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a video shared on his X account on Tuesday, where he displayed the recovered weapon and warned against the growing trend of illegal arms acquisition.
While examining the contents of a bag carried by the suspect, Edafe said, “This is a Beretta pistol, not even fabricated. It has the magazine and two 9mm ammunition,” stressing that such weapons are restricted to authorised security agencies.
The suspect, who hails from Sapele in Delta State, reportedly admitted during interrogation that he obtained the firearm through Snapchat. He also confessed to involvement in cult activities, internet fraud, and drug use.
According to him, he “ordered it through Snapchat from a smoke vendor” and paid N450,000 for its delivery.
Explaining his reason for acquiring the weapon, the suspect claimed it was “for safety purposes… against any unknown gunmen or kidnappers,” but further admitted to engaging in internet fraud for “three to four years.”
Reacting to the development, Edafe linked the case to a broader pattern of criminal behaviour, noting that “internet fraud, cultism, abuse of illicit substances, and now gun possession” illustrate how “one crime gives birth to another.”
He emphasised that it is unlawful for individuals to possess such firearms, stating that the Beretta pistol “is a prohibited firearm that can only be linked to government security agencies,” adding that no individual is permitted to hold such weapons under the guise of self-protection.
Under Nigerian law, the proliferation and unlawful possession of firearms are criminal offences. Section 3 of the Firearms Act prohibits the acquisition or possession of firearms without a valid licence, while Section 27 prescribes penalties, including imprisonment, for offenders. These provisions are reinforced by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates the state to ensure public safety and maintain order, forming the legal basis for strict regulation of arms to prevent insecurity.
