The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned Gbenga Akomolafe, a senior immigration officer currently stationed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, along with Babatunde Olufemi of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and two others, Nwadozie Amaechi and Nwosu Cyril, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The defendants are facing nine counts related to drug trafficking, including conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and dealing in prohibited substances. They were arrested on May 21, 2024, for attempting to smuggle eight kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa out of the airport.
According to the NDLEA’s prosecution counsel, Abu Ibrahim, the defendants are part of a syndicate involved in trafficking hard drugs, working in collaboration with individuals based in South Africa.
While Akomolafe pleaded not guilty to all charges, his co-defendants pleaded guilty. As a result, Babatunde, Nnadozie, and Nwosu were sentenced to four years in prison on each count, with an option to pay N2 million fine per count. Their sentences and fines are to run concurrently.
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted bail to Akomolafe in the sum of N10 million with one surety, who must be a Civil Servant of Assistant Director cadre either in Lagos State or the Federal Government.
The case has been adjourned until November 7, 2024, for further trial proceedings.
