NDLEA: Billionaire, Associates Face Trial Over Alleged Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the trial of billionaire businessman, Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, and two others before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged unlawful possession and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.

Naija News reports that Ukatu is standing trial alongside Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute before Justice Yellim Bogoro.

The defendants are being prosecuted in charge number FHC/L/159C/2021 on allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession and trafficking in the prohibited substance.

The trial began afresh before Justice Bogoro following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The defendants were initially arraigned in 2022 and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the charge, the NDLEA alleged that the defendants conspired on or about May 4, 2021, at Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilograms of Tramadol without lawful authority.

At Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo and Owoyomi, informed the court that the matter was fixed for commencement of trial.

The agency subsequently called its first witness, Dogo Hyelda Moses, an NDLEA operative.

Moses testified on the role he played after the defendants were arrested and brought before him alongside exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.

He narrated how the suspects and exhibits were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process.

The witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, including B.C. Igwilo (SAN), Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who appeared for the defendants.

The prosecution is expected to call more witnesses as it seeks to prove the allegations against the defendants.

Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter until November 5 for continuation of trial.