The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, brought a businessman, Charles Momoh, before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over alleged importation of a banned substance.
The defendant was arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji on a one-count charge bordering on importation of 51.25kg of Cannabis Sativa (a.k.a Marijuana).
The prosecutor, Mrs A.N Okon, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Sept. 11 at the Tincan Island Port in Apapa, Lagos.
Okon alleged that the defendant imported 51.25kg of the substance and concealed it in two cars – 2010 model of Toyota Hyundai Sonata and l 2015 model of Toyota Hyundai Aset.
According to prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act of 2004.
Okon urged the court to remand the defendant in custodial centre, pending commencement of trial.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.
Defence counsel, Dr Sylvester Ijie, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, saying that he was not a flight risk.
Justice Faji ordered remand of the defendant, and adjourned the case until Nov. 11 for ruling on the defendant’s bail application.
