Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday told a Lagos Federal High Court how a suspect, Aregbesola Gbenga, illegally brought 14.5 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called marijuana, into the country, in an imported car.
Aregbesola was alleged to have illegally brought in the banned weed, in a 40 feet container marked MSMU 5570168.
The prosecutor, Mr. Fingere Owen Dennis, made the revelation, while arraigning the defendant, on charges of conspiracy and unlawful importation of the banned drug.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant committed the offences on September 12, 2022, alongside the duo of Adebayo Olorunnisola and one Mayowa, who were said to be at large.
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The prosecutor told the court that the defendant was arrested at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
He told the court that the offences committed by the defendant, are contrary to sections 11(a) and 14(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 and punishable under the same Act.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date and also asked the court to remand the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) custody, till the determination of the charge.
But counsel to the defendant, Mr. Dennis Warri, urged the court to admit his client to bail in the most liberal terms. Adding that the defendant is a first time offender without any criminal record.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Daniel Osiagor admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety, who is on directorate cadre.
Justice Osiagor also ordered the defendant to deposit N5 million and his traveling passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).
The judge ordered that the defendant be remanded in NCoS’ custody till the perfection of the bail terms. While adjourned till February 9, 2023, for trial.