By Reborn Jude
National News – A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to destroy an alleged methamphetamine laboratory valued at N480 billion discovered in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Justice Musa Kakaki approved the application on Friday despite objections from three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians currently facing trial over the alleged operation of the illicit drug facility.
However, the court directed the NDLEA to preserve certain disputed chemicals identified by the defence for use as evidence during the ongoing trial.
Counsel to the NDLEA, Buhari Abdullahi, argued that the agency sought the court’s approval on public health and environmental safety grounds. He told the court that officials had remained at the site for more than two months, exposing them to hazardous chemicals.
The prosecutor recalled that Justice Kakaki personally inspected the laboratory on July 22 and observed the dangerous conditions at the facility, where everyone entering the premises had to wear protective clothing, face masks and specialised safety equipment.
According to him, even lawyers involved in the inspection were forced to take safety precautions, while he suffered an allergic reaction that compelled him to leave the site.
The defendants’ counsel, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, arguing that the substances the NDLEA intended to destroy constituted vital evidence that should remain intact until they were formally tendered as exhibits before the court.
After considering submissions from both parties, Justice Kakaki granted the agency’s request but ordered that the identified disputed chemicals be preserved pending the trial.
The defendants include three Mexican nationals—Juan Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus López Valles—and seven Nigerians: Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, Nwobum Emeka and Anochili Innocent, who prosecutors identified as the alleged drug baron.
They are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.
