A senior immigration officer, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, serving at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, has been arraigned in court before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on multiple charges.
The case involves allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and dealing with prohibited substances.
Akomolafe is specifically charged with trafficking 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of cannabis sativa. He faces these allegations along with three other defendants.
The other accused individuals are Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, who works for the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Nwadozie Chris Amaechi and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril.
The prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, stated that the four defendants were arrested on May 21, 2024. They were allegedly attempting to smuggle the substances out of the airport.
Ibrahim also mentioned that the group was part of a drug syndicate with connections to South Africa.
Akomolafe faces a six-count charge, including conspiracy and trafficking. The other three defendants are charged with three counts each related to conspiracy and drug possession. The specific charges fall under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
The prosecution argues that the alleged actions violate several sections of the law. Sections 14(b), 21(2)(d), and 20(1)(c) are cited, with penalties under sections 11(b) and 20(2)(b). The court proceedings highlight the serious nature of the offenses.
While the three other defendants pleaded guilty, Akomolafe denied all charges. His lawyer, Benson Ndakara, requested bail under the most lenient terms. Justice Osiagor granted bail to Akomolafe, setting the sum at N10 million and requiring one surety.
The surety must be a civil servant of assistant director level or higher, employed by Lagos State or the Federal Government. The trial was adjourned to November 7, 2024, to allow further proceedings.
The court convicted the other three defendants based on their guilty pleas. Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril each received a four-year sentence on all counts. Their sentences will run concurrently.
In addition to prison terms, the convicts have the option to pay a fine of N2 million for each count. This alternative is provided as part of the sentencing for their offences.