A court in India has denied bail to a 44-year-old Nigerian, Cristian Soporuchukwu, who is facing drug trafficking charges in the country.

It was learnt on Wednesday that the suspect entered India on a business visa but was later arrested for allegedly selling hard drugs.

After arriving in India, Soporuchukwu reportedly travelled to Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai, where he became connected with suspected drug dealers.

He was accused of buying MDMA crystals and selling them to college students and IT workers.

The report stated that Beguru police arrested him in April 2025 for allegedly selling MDMA crystals near Begur Lake and AECS Layout Road.

According to a report by the New Indian Express, the High Court of Karnataka dismissed Soporuchukwu’s bail application.

“The anti-narcotics wing seized about 1 kg of MDMA crystals, a pocket weighing machine, 10 zip-lock covers, a mobile phone and a scooter from him,” the report said.

Justice V. Srishananda, while dismissing the bail request, reportedly held that mistakes in providing grounds for arrest could not automatically be used to secure bail in serious drug-related offences under the NDPS Act.

The court also noted that the Nigerian had overstayed his visa, according to the report.

Soporuchukwu’s case adds to the growing number of Nigerians facing arrest and prosecution in India over alleged drug-related offences.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported on May 2 that two Nigerians, 26-year-old Chijioke Wisdom and 43-year-old Chigozie, were arrested in India over alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

According to The Times of India, the suspects were arrested in South Delhi’s Maidan Garhi during a targeted police operation.

Police authorities said the arrests followed “specific intelligence” received on April 27 that two men would arrive in the area to supply narcotics. (The PUNCH)

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