The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday arraigned three individuals before the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged involvement in the importation of 28 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica.
The defendants, Oluwakemi Akala, Onyekachi Aguguo, and Tsolaye Eburajolo, are facing two charges bordering on conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotics.
The prosecution alleged that the offence took place on October 22, 2024, at an offloading warehouse located at Classic 1 Terminal, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.
According to the NDLEA, the drugs were concealed inside a 2010 Lexus RX350 SUV with VIN JTJHK31U672011774.
The offences are said to contravene Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
During the arraignment, the NDLEA’s prosecution counsel, Mr. Kunle Adebajo, informed the court that one of the suspects, identified as Austin (also known as Elohor Eguagie), is still at large. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel for the defendants, Mr. S. Sani, Mr. Alli Aba, and Mr. Justice Ojienoh, requested bail for their clients.
While Sani sought a short adjournment to file a formal bail application, Aba and Ojienoh moved their applications, which the prosecution did not oppose.
Justice Ayokunle Faji granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N8 million, with two sureties in like sum.
The court ruled that one surety must be a blood relative of the defendant and must provide proof of residence, means of identification, BVN, phone number, utility bills, and evidence of a legitimate source of income.
Additionally, the other surety must present a three-year tax clearance certificate and a bank statement showing the ability to cover the bail sum if required.
The judge also directed the defendants to surrender their travel documents and prohibited them from leaving the country without court approval during the trial.
Justice Faji ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre pending the verification of their bail conditions.