The testimony of two immigration officers summoned by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos might today elucidate the alleged involvement of some politicians in the unlawful importation of 450.400kg of cocaine seized by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The shipment that originated from Chile into the country through the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos is the second largest seizure of cocaine by the anti-drug agency.
The two immigration officers will testify regarding the authenticity of an international passport allegedly belonging to one Hon. Mike Njoku.
Njoku’s name is on the international passport that was used by the clearing agents in processing the clearance of the container whose content was declared as personal effects.
NDLEA investigation did not link any politician with the unlawful import but because of the name on the international passport, the immigration officers had been summoned to determine the owner of the said passport.
Meanwhile, all accused persons are to remain in prison custody as Justice Abang had earlier rejected their bail application. The Judge however assured that the matter will be given accelerated hearing.
According to Justice Okon, the trial had commenced and there has been no delay by the prosecution and the defence. In rejecting the bail application, the Judge noted that the international community is interested in the case and that the quantity of exhibit involved is colossal. He also stated that some of the accused may jump bail being foreigners.
NDLEA prosecuting team led by the director of prosecution and legal services Mr. Femi Oloruntoba said that the Agency is prepared and pleased with speedy trial of the case. “We are happy with the rejection of the bail application and prepared for accelerated trial,” Oloruntoba stated.
The accused persons include a Taiwanese Fong Chui Sen, 54, a timber merchant, a Chinese, Richard Wang, 62, an importer of textiles and shopping bags as well as three Nigerians who are clearing agents Alhaji Inua Mohammed, 56, Ezeala Kingsley and Godswill Asomugha.
They were recently arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over their alleged involvement in the 450.400kg of cocaine seizure. All five accused pleaded not guilty to a four count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 450.400kg seizure of cocaine made at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The first count states that, Fong Chui Sen and Wang Richard male adults, between the months of March and July 2010 at Ibadan and Kano, Nigeria, without lawful authority conspired to import 450.400 kg of cocaine into Nigeria from Republic of Chile and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 14 (b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP N30 Laws of the Federation 2004.
No comments:
Post a Comment