Court remands 2 men for possession of 720kg of marijuana

A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Thursday ordered that two men should be remanded in a correction centre for alleged possession of 720kg of Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa).

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) charged Khalid Ibrahim, 28, and Richard Thomas, 30, with conspiracy and possession of illicit drugs.

Justice Mohammed Garba, gave the order after the NDLEA Counsel, Mr T. J. Atserhegh, pleaded with the court to remand the defendants pending the determination of the charge against them.

Garba adjourned the matter until Nov. 29 for ruling in their bail applications.

Earlier, the prosecutor, told the court that defendants and others now at large, on Oct. 16, at Kawo area of Kaduna, conspired among themselves and dealt in 720 kg of marijuana.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 241 and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr Moses Adams, pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail.

Adams while moving his bail application said he relied on his written address and assured the court that the defendants will not jump bail as they will provide reliable sureties as would be needed.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offence of drug trafficking attracts a term of life imprisonment on conviction.