A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till February 20, 2025 for commencement of trial of a Lagos business man, Ahmadu Abubakar, alleged to have conspired with Ughenu Nnaife Francis to import Cannabis into Nigeria from Canada.
When the charge was read to them Ahmadu Abubakar pleaded not guilty, while Ughenu Nanaife Francis pleaded guilty and was convicted accordingly.
In a three count charge filed before the court by the NDLEA Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Abu Ibrahim, it was stated that, Ahmadu Abubakar and Ughenu Nnaife Francis with one Black (now at large) conspired to traffic in 164.50 Kilogrammes of Cannabis from Canada to Nigeria.
It was further alleged that Ahmadu Abubakar procured Ughenu Nnaife Francis being an incoming passenger on 30 May 2024, abroad KLM Flight from Canada to Nigeria at the ‘E’ arrival Hall of the Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, without lawful authority imported 164.50 Kilogrammes Heroin from Canada to Nigeria.
The offences alleged to have been committed by the two defendants are contrary to and punishable under sections 14(b),21(2)(d) 11(b) 20(1)(a) and 20(2)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004
Meanwhile the court has adjourned to February 20,2025 for the trial of Ahmadu Abubakar to commence while his counsel Barrister Uche Okoronkwo has filed application on his behalf to secure his release pending trial
The charge as filed before the court by the NDLEA Prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim:
COUNT 1
That you 1. Ahmadu Abubakar 2. Ughenu Nnaife Francis, both adults, male, sometime in May 2024 with one Black (now at large) conspired to traffic in 164.50 Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin from Canada to Nigeria and you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to and punishable under section 14(b) of the National Drug Law enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
COUNT 2
That you Ahmadu Abubakar adult, male, sometime in May 2024 procured Ughenu Nnaife Francis to in traffic 164.50kllograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin from Canada to Nigeria and thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to section 21(2)(d) and punishable under section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
COUNT 3
That you Ughenu Nnaife Francis adult, male on or about the 30th May 2024 being an incoming passenger aboard KLM flight from Canada to Nigeria at the ‘E’ Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos without lawful authority imported 164.50kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine ,LSD, Heroin from Canada to Nigeria and you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to section 20(1)(a) and punishable under section 20(2)(a) Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
