The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a convicted drug trafficker, Steve Adigwe before the Federal High Court in Lagos for trafficking in 75.75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica.
Adigwe, also known as Obobo Isioma and Obobo Madueke Chukwuma was earlier convicted on March 3, 2023 and sentenced to three years imprisonment by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the same court for trafficking in cocaine.
He was however awarded an option of a N500,000 fine in lieu of the jail-term by the judge.
The convict was again re-arraigned before Justice Aluko, on May 3, a fresh two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 75.75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica.
The prosecutor, Mrs. I. O. Iwuchukwu told the court that the convicted drug trafficker committed the offences on January 30, 2023, at Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
The prosecutor informed the judge that the convict conspired with the trio of Sunday Richard Agbaje, Ezekiel John Okwubuno and Obaro Ehis, all said to be at large, to commit the offences.
She also claimed that the convicted drug trafficker used two vehicles, Lincoln Navigator and Toyota Yaris, which were concealed in a 40 feet container number MSCU533668-0, to smuggle the drugs.
The prosecutor insisted that the offences violated sections 11(a) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his not guilty plea, his lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, argued his bail application.
The application was opposed by the prosecutor, on the ground that the drug trafficker was recently convicted by that court, and there are other pending charges on drug-related offences against him.
She, therefore, urged the court to remand the ex-convict and order an accelerated hearing.
Justice Aluko acceded to the prosecutor’s submission and ordered that the drug trafficker be remanded till the determination of the charge against him.
During the trial, the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered several exhibits which the court admitted
The defence lawyer equally cross-examined all the witnesses called by the prosecution.
Further hearing in the matter has been adjourned till June 20 and 21 to continue the trial.
