The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) today, arraigned a man, Joseph Bamidele, before a Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged unlawful importation of 63.75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica, a special speeches of cannabis Sativa, popularly called marijuana.
Joseph was arraigned on the alleged illegal act, before the court presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, on a count-charge of the offence.
Mr. Kunle Adebajo, while arraigning the defendant told the court that he was arrested on February 26, 2025, at the Tin can island, Apapa, Lagos.
He told the court that the defendant, Joseph alongside Anthony Okutar and. Idowu Oluwaseyi Timothy, now at large, conspired among themselves to commit the act.
He told the court that the defendant and others now at large, concealed the prohibited drug in a cntainer with number TCNU1945861 and one 2009 Toyota Venza with Vin number 4T3ZK11AX9U004113.
He told the court that the defendant’s alleged illegal act, contravened section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
But the defendant, denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Based on his an not guilty plea, the prosecutor has the court for a trial date. While also urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), pending the determination of the charge
But the defendant’s counsel, Barrister Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court that he had filed the defendant’s bail application and same has s been served on the prosecutor.
Upon confirming from the prosecutor that he had been served, and that a counter has been filed, the judge allowed parties to argue the bail application.
Justice Osiagor after listening the the counsel submissions, admitted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum, and some other conditions.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to June 27, for trial, while also ordered that the defendants be remanded with the NCos pending the perfection of his bail.
Charge Against The Defendant Reads: “that you Joseph Bamidele, male, Adult, Anthony Okutar Male, Adult (at Large) and Idowu Oluwaseyi Timothy Male, Adult (at Large) on or about the 26th day of February, 2025, at Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority imported 63.75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica, a narcotic drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD by concealing same inside a Container with number TCNU1945861 and one 2009 Toyota Venza with Vin number 4T3ZK11AX9U004113 and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
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