NDLEA Arraigns 5 Suspects for Drug Trafficking
Five suspects have been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for trafficking in drugs , mainly cocaine and heroin substances.
The suspects who appeared in a Federal High Court, Lagos, include Mr. Osondu Christian, a Brazil-based Nigerian, Mr. Okafor Moses, Mr. Udeh Victor, Mr. Abanijo Isioma and Mr. Ihator Theophilus.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor for two separate charges.
Three of them, Osondu, Udeh, Abanijo and Ihator were arraigned before the court on a 4-count charges of f conspiracy, unlawful importation and unlawful possession of 3.2 kilograms of heroin
On the other hand, Okafor arraigned separately on a two count-charge of unlawful importation and possession of 2.55 kilograms of cocaine.
The NDLEA Prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, briefed the court that Osondu, Udeh, Abanijo and Ihator committed the offence between November 4 and 5, this year.
The prosecutor said Osondu conspired with one Udeh Clement, said to be based in South Africa to smuggle the substances.
He was however arrested during clearance at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that Udeh, Abanijo and Ihator had conspired with Udeh Clement and Chinedu Oseki who are based in South Africa to distribute the drugs in Nigeria.
On the Brazil-based Okafor, who was arrested on November 13, the suspect was said to have conspired with one Awuga, based in Brazil to import 2.55 kilograms of cocaine.
The offences, according to the Prosecutor were against and punishable under National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap.
However, all the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor had demanded that they be remanded in prison custody.
But the Defence Lawyer, Mr. Benson Ndakara asked the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.
Justice Osiagor after consideration granted the suspects bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety each.
The surety must have landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned to March 31, 2022.
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