NDLEA Arraigns Brazil Returnee For Smuggling 13. 2 Kilograms Of Cocaine
A Nigerian based in Brazil, Akudirinwa Hilary Uchenna, was Monday, arraigned before a Lagos Federal High Court, by the men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly brought to Nigeria, 13. 2 kilograms of Cocaine from Brazil.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant conspired with the duo of Chima and Enyi, who are both reside in Brazil to commit the Illicit acts.
The prosecutor told the court further that the defendant charged N3.5 million, to courier the drug, and that the sum of N1, 325 million, had been paid to his Zenith Bank account number 2176669335, with the promise that the balance will be paid upon delivery.
She told the court that the offences committed by the defendant are contrary to and punishable under Sections 11(b) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
Following his not guilty plea, his lawyers, Mr. Uche Okoronkwo and Adedolapo Adaramodu of Minerva Legal Practice, while moving the defendant’s bail appllication, asked the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms.
Okoronkwo particularly told the court that his client is a first time offender without any previous crime record.
Responding, the prosecutor asked the court to refuse the application on the ground that the defendant is not residing in the country, and that if granted bail, he will not return for his trial.
The presiding judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, after listened to the submissions of Counsel, adjourned till Thursday for ruling on the bail application.
The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of NDLEA till Thursday.
