The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a 49-year-old man, Ezekiel Ibe, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly being in possession tramadol.
According to the NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Jerry Aernan, the defendant was arrested on December 23, 2021, at Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, for unlawful possession of 5,458. 894 kilograms of Tramadol, without lawful authority
Speaking to the trial Judge on Thursday, February 17, Justice Yellim , the prosecutor said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N20 Laws of the Federation of Nigerian, 2004.
The charge read: “That you Ezekiel Ibe, 48, male adult, on or about December 23, 2021, at Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this court l, without lawful authority knowingly possessed 5,458. 894 kilogrammes of Tramadol Psychotropic substance similar to cocaine, heroin, LSD, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N20 Laws of the Federation of Nigerian, 2004.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Upon the defendant’s not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date.
Responding to the prosecutor’s request, the defendant’s lawyer, Mr. Maxwell Okpara, informed the court that he had filed a bail application for his client due to the clients poor health condition.
In her ruling, Justice Bogoro granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with two sureties, and also ordered that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner either in Victoria Island or Ikoyi area of Lagos State, adding that both the defendant must submit two passport photographs.
