Court grants NDLEA’s motion to remand suspected drug baron for 14 days
By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
Justice Daniel Osiagor of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) power to remand a suspected drug baron, Owolabi Elegushi for 14 days to allow the agency conclude its investigation on the suspect.
Justice Osiagor made the remand order, while granting an Exparte motion marked FHC/L/CS/948/2023, moved by NDLEA counsel, N. J. Mamza.
The suspect, Owolabi Elegushi, was recently arrested by the NDLEA’s operatives, with large quantity of banned substances which include: Cannabis Sativa, Cocaine, Heroin and Methamphetamine, on Lagos Island.
While urging the court to remand the suspect till the conclusion of investigation, Mamza, told the court that the application was brought pursuant to Section 293 of the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Section 41 the NDLEA Act Cap N 30 LFN 2004 and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
She further moved an affidavit in support of the motion exparte deposed to by Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency.
In the affidavit, Mr Kayode stated that NDLEA is mandated by law to investigate, seize and prosecute offences in relation to Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cannabis Sativa and other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
He stated that in the course of its work, the NDLEA received confidential information that Owolabi Elegushi belongs to a transnational drug cartel and imports and exports hard drugs, adding that the information turned out to be a confirmed and correct one.
He averred that based on the fact above, the NDLEA placed surveillance on the said Owolabi Elegushi for a period of six months, and on May 13, 2023, he was arrested with 2.318 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 10 grammes of Molly and 278 grammes of Methamphetamine at Lagos Island. He said that the suspect was arrested by the Agency while planning to escape.
Kayode stated further that it has become necessary to keep the drug suspect for additional fourteen days, because of the need to investigate this matter and discover the syndicate involved in this Criminal activity, adding that investigation is already at an advanced stage.
The deponent further stated that he was informed by Lambert N. Nor, an NDLEA’s Solicitor, in their office on May 22, 2023 at 15:00 hours ” that the action of the suspected drug dealer Owolabi Elegushi is a criminal act under the NDLEA Act.
“And that it is necessary to seek this Order in order not to violate constitutional time for detention.
He averred that “it is necessary to secure time in order to complete the investigation into this matter, which the court has the jurisdiction and the powers to grant.
After listening to N. J. Mamza, Justice Osiagor held that he is satisfied with the submission of counsel, and that it’s within the power of NDLEA to investigate, seize and prosecute offences in relation to Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cannabis Sativa.
Justice Osiagor therefore ordered that the drug baron, Owolabi Elegunshi, be remanded for the next 14 days, to allow NDLEA to complete investigation.
The matter was adjourned to June 16, for report of investigation..
