NDLEA Arraigns Clearing Agent Over Alleged Cocaine Export To UK

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a clearing agent, Tajudeen Agoro, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly exporting 2.80 kilogrammes of cocaine from Lagos to the UK through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The NDLEA prosecutor, Mrs Arit Okon, told the trial judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor Agoro, conspired with Azeez Nurudeen and one Nuru (both currently at large) to smuggle the drug in April 2026.

Okon also claimed that the defendant coordinated the shipment with others at the SAHCO Export Shed in the Lagos airport’s customs area.

She explained that the cocaine was intercepted during outbound checks before it could be sent to the UK.

The prosecutor further accused the defendant of unlawfully involving Ama Obinna Ufiem of Amirotex Global Nigeria Limited and Adebayo Ayomide Stephen of STG World Cargo Logistics to facilitate the illegal export.

The lawyer maintained that the offence violated Sections 14(b), 21(2)(d), and 11(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which carry penalties.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the three charges filed by the NDLEA.

After the plea, Mrs Okon urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the conclusion of the trial and also requested a trial date.

But the defence lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, informed the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution.

He urged the court to consider and grant his client bail.

The prosecutor acknowledged receipt of a copy of the bail application and filed a counter-affidavit of eight paragraphs, urging the court to dismiss the bail application.

Justice Osiagor, after reviewing applicable authorities, ruled in favour of the defendant.

The judge granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum, along with other conditions. The case was scheduled to start trial on 28 October 2026.