The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday commenced the trial of businessman, Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, and two others before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.
The two other defendants standing trial alongside Ukatu are Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute.
The trial commenced before Justice Yellim Bogoro, who recently took over the matter following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
The defendants are being prosecuted by the NDLEA in charge number FHC/L/159C/2021.
They were initially arraigned in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
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According to the charge, the anti-narcotics agency alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves on or about May 4, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilograms of Tramadol without lawful authority.
The NDLEA further alleged that the defendants knowingly possessed the prohibited substance, an offence punishable under the provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
At Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Barrister Adekunle Adebajo and Barrister Owoyomi, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the commencement of trial and subsequently called its first witness.
The witness, Mr. Dogo Hyelda Moses, an operative of the NDLEA, testified on the role he played in the investigation after the defendants were arrested.
Giving evidence before the court, Moses told Justice Bogoro that the suspects, along with exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation, were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process.
He narrated the steps taken in handling both the defendants and the exhibits, explaining his involvement in the investigation that followed the arrests.
Following his testimony, the witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), B.C. Igwilo, alongside Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who appeared for the defendants.
The commencement of evidence marks a major step in the criminal proceedings, which have been pending since the defendants were first arraigned several years ago.
The matter was previously being heard by Justice Peter Lifu before his transfer from the Lagos Division led to its reassignment to Justice Bogoro.
After hearing the witness, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case until November 5 for continuation of trial.
The NDLEA is expected to call additional witnesses as it seeks to prove the allegations against the defendants.
The defendants, however, denied the allegations and continue to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence until the charges are determined by the court.
