TWO ALLEGED DRUG TRAFFICKERS ARE REMANDED TO PRISON BY A COURT

Two alleged drug traffickers have been detained in the care of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos till the hearing and determination of their bail.
The defendants, a 39-year-old woman, Nnochiri Promise, and Edward Omatseye, were charged with conspiracy and importing 32.70 kg of cannabis sativa, a forbidden narcotic, illegally on two counts.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency docketed them before the court (NDLEA).

Through one of its prosecutors, Augustine Nwagu, the NDLEA informed the court that on November 19, 2022, during the inward clearance of cargo on a Turkish Airlines flight from the United States of America at NAHCO Import Shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, the defendants and a freight company, Ben’s Cargo International, listed as the first defendant, conspired among themselves and illegally imported the said banned drug.
Nwagu had also told the court that the defendants had planned to conduct the crime along with Benjamin Isikwel and Igho Ubiribo, who are believed to remain at large.

According to the prosecutor, the crimes violated sections 14(b) and 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and were therefore punished by that Act.
The accused, however, entered a not guilty plea to the accusations.
The prosecutor requested that the court set a trial date and keep the defendants in custody as a result of the development.
Because the offenses for which their clients are charged are bailable, the defense attorneys, Anthony Nnamoko and Oluwaseun Awonuga, pleaded with the court to release their clients on bond.
In response, the prosecutor acknowledged receiving the second defendant’s application in court and stating that he needed time to review it before submitting his counter.

After hearing from the parties, Justice Aluko remanded the defendants and set January 27 for the consideration of their bail requests.