The suspects including Senator Dino appeared before a Senior Magistrate Court in lokoja where they declared that the allegations were false and that they were not guilty when their pleas were  taken.

The prosecution, led by Alex Izinyon (SAN), said the offences are contrary to section 97(1) and the penalty code and section 27(1)(a) (1) of the firearms act cap p28,  laws of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 2004.

Izinyon  reminded the court that the pleas of the defendants were not taken on arraignment,  submitting  that the court has the Jurisdiction to try the case and should therefore go ahead to take their pleas.

When the charges were read afresh to the defendants, Melaye as well as Seidu and Salihu, pleaded not guilty as they said the seven charges were all false.

Yemi Mohammed,  who held brief for Mike Ozekhome (SAN) , counsel for Senator Melaye objected to the application saying that the case was a criminal one in which witnesses must give their testimonies in the open court. 

Melaye's counsel said the front-loading system the prosecution was urging the court to adopt amounted to a short cut that would be prejudicial to his client and reduce the chances of the public getting to know the truth.

In his ruling, the senior magistrate,  Sulyman Abdullah said he would "wholeheartedly" want trials in his court to be concluded speedily but he would have to look at the rules of the court. 

He therefore adjourned the case to july 26, for commencement of hearing.