Seven Indians and three Nigerians have been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for smuggling 43.1 kilogrammes of cocaine into the country.
The seven Indians are: Shedrack Yurama; Singh Vikash; Kunnaserypallam Ashraf Inzam; Xaiver Fernando Santhanaria; Mandal Surjeet Ashok; Tandel Pratikkumar Pravinbai and Barthwal Rohan Sunil. Their Nigerian accomplices are Tobi Ojo; Kunle Animashaun and Omozusi Enorose Terry.
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Also arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji led-court alongside the defendants was a limited liability company, Oilways Logistics and Energy Limited.
The defendants were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of the said banned drug by NDLEA prosecutor, Theresa Asuquo.
The defendants according to the charge marked FHC/L/100c/2021, were arrested with the banned drug on February 8, 2021, at the Tin Can Port, Apapa, Lagos, on board a vessel named MV SPAR SCORPIO.
The defendants, were alleged to have conspired with Franklyn Pereowei Godwin and Peter Odigie Ozasuwa, said to be at large.
The offences according to the anti-narcotic agency are contrary to and punishable under section 11(a) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.
However, the judge granted the request of their lawyers Femi Atoyebi, Tunde Adejuyigbe, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Obatayo Aina Esq., Richard Aina Esq. and Usuala Nwagbara Esq., allowed the Indians to continue with the administrative bail in terms which they were earlier admitted to, while the Nigerians were granted bail on various terms.
Justice Faji, however, ordered the defendants to submit their traveling passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar and that they must have court’s permission before travelling out of the country.
The defendants’ trial has been fixed for September 27 and 28.
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