The trial of billionaire businessman, Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, and two other defendants has commenced before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.
The defendants — Mallinson, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute — are being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on charges bordering on drug-related offences.
The case, marked FHC/L/159C/2021, is being heard by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Justice Bogoro took over the matter following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, from the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court to Abuja.
The defendants were first arraigned in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
NDLEA’s Allegations
According to the charge filed by the NDLEA, the defendants allegedly conspired on or about May 4, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilograms of Tramadol without lawful authority.
The anti-narcotics agency alleged that the offence contravenes Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The agency further accused the defendants of knowingly possessing the prohibited substance, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 11 of the same Act.
The NDLEA maintains that the alleged offences were committed within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
First Prosecution Witness Testifies
At the commencement of trial proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for trial and subsequently called its first witness.
The witness, Dogo Hyelda Moses, an operative of the NDLEA, testified on his role in the investigation following the arrest of the defendants.
Moses told the court that the suspects were handed over to him along with exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.
He narrated how the defendants and the seized items were transferred to him as part of the agency’s investigative process and explained the steps he took in handling both the suspects and the exhibits.
Defence Cross-Examines Witness
Following his testimony, the witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, including B.C. Igwilo (SAN), Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who appeared on behalf of the defendants.
After hearing the witness, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case until November 5 for the continuation of trial.
The defendants remain on trial as the court continues to hear evidence in the case.
