A Lagos Federal High Court, has declined granting bail to two drug dealers, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga and Wasiu Gbolahan Sanni a.k.a ‘Teacher, on the ground that they will never turn up to face trial.
The two drug dealers, were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Ayokunle Faji, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful export of 400 grams of Cocaine, unlawful export of banned drug and unlawful possession of same, by the men of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The offences, the prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that are contrary to and punishable under section 14 (b), 21 (2)(d), 19 and 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
The two defendants were arraigned before the court on Friday.
The prosecutor, told the court that the two defendants, alongside Ganiu Aremu Suleman alias Ganiyu Ejeoto and one Igbono, both now at large, committed the offence on November 17, 2022
He told the court that second defendant, Wasiu a.k.a ‘Teacher recruited the first defendant for the illicit job.
They denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their not guilty plea, their lawyer, Bolanle Kolawole, pleaded with the court admit her clients to bail in the most liberal terms.
But the prosecutor, Abu vehemently opposed the defendants’ bail application, on the ground that it will jeopardize the agency’s efforts in arresting their fleeing syndicate members.
He further told the court that one of the defendants is currently facing another drug charge before another court. Adding that the defendants with the overwhelmed evidence against them will run away if granting bail.
Justice Faji, in his ruling after citing plethoras of authorites, conceded to the prosecutor’s submissions, saying that with the prosecutor’s submissions, there is high possiblity that the defendants will jump bail.
The judge, while refusing the defendants’ bail but consequently ordered accelerate hearing of the charge, while ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) till the determination of the charge.
