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Birmingham gun manufacturers sentenced for illegal firearms

Rahim Kizito and Godfree Mbugoniwia have been jailed for over 25 years for altering guns for criminals.

August 5, 2025 at 06:53 AM
blur Faces of Birmingham gun makers who gave three-word criminal guarantee

Rahim Kizito and Godfree Mbugoniwia face significant prison time for their illegal firearm operation.

Gun manufacturers in Birmingham sentenced for supplying criminals

Rahim Kizito and Godfree Mbugoniwia were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for manufacturing and supplying illegal firearms. Their operation involved altering blank-firing guns to enable them to fire live ammunition. The West Midlands Police's County Lines Taskforce arrested the pair in 2023 after discovering a manufacturing station linked to the weapons in South Yardley and Rubery. Kizito was convicted for 13 years and 7 months while Mbugoniwia received a 12-year and 9-month sentence for their roles in providing reliable firearms to criminals. Investigations revealed they engaged with customers, ensuring the guns 'would not jam' while in use, indicating a high level of commitment to their illegal trade.

Key Takeaways

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Kizito and Mbugoniwia adapted blank-firing guns for criminals.
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They were arrested by West Midlands Police in 2023.
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The manufacturing site revealed a range of illegal weapons.
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Each firearm was sold between £1,000 and £3,000 on the black market.
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The sentence is a response to serious firearm offenses.
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Detectives assert this operation could have endangered lives.

"This was a serious case involving high-level criminality putting live firearms in the hands of criminals."

Statement from Detective Sergeant Adam Buzzard emphasizing the severity of the crime.

"Thanks to the efforts of the Major Crime Team, we were able to uncover the extensive operation and potentially save dozens of lives."

Reflects the effectiveness of police efforts in disrupting the illegal arms market.

The case of Kizito and Mbugoniwia highlights a troubling trend in the illicit arms trade, particularly how easily legal firearms can be repurposed for criminal use. Their ability to connect with a network of criminals underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in disrupting these operations. With gun control laws in many areas still a contentious issue, this incident raises questions about how to effectively address the illegal arms market and its impact on public safety. The West Midlands Police's commitment to curbing this trend indicates a proactive approach, but the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen given the adaptability of criminal enterprises.

Highlights

  • Guaranteeing guns that won't jam is a dangerous promise.
  • The impact of illegal gun supply is felt deeply in local communities.
  • Addressing illegal firearms is a matter of public safety.
  • This case illustrates the persistence of the illegal arms trade.

Illegal arms trade poses significant risks

The operations of Kizito and Mbugoniwia jeopardized public safety and exemplified the challenges law enforcement faces in controlling illegal firearms.

Such operations highlight the ongoing battle against gun violence and illegal firearms.

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