NDLEA arraigns man over alleged attempt to export narcotic substance

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arraigned a middle-aged man, Emmanuel Nzubeka, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged attempt to export 1.050 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.

Nzubeka is standing trial on one-count of exporting narcotic substance.

He pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Mr Augustine Nwagu, said the accused was caught with the narcotic substance on June 4, at the SAHCOL Export Shade of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the substance was found inside Nzubeka’s luggage, adding that Methamphetamine was a drug similar to cocaine and heroin.

Nwagu said the alleged offence contravened Section 11 (b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of Federation 2004.

“Due to the plea of innocence by the accused, I urge this court to remand him in prison custody pending trial,’’ the prosecutor said.

Nwagu also said that the court should refuse to hear any bail application because of the gravity of the offence.

But Counsel to the accused, Mr Oreofe Ogunleye, said that the offence was the kind that an accused can be granted bail.

“I ask this court to neglect the prayer of the prosecutor and instead grant bail on liberal terms to my client,’’ he said.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa said the accused should be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to September 3 for ruling on bail application.