The trial of billionaire businessman, Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, and two associates, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, has resumed before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession and trafficking in 322 kilogrammes of Tramadol.

The trial is being heard by Justice Yellim Bogoro, who took over the case following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The three defendants are being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in charge No. FHC/L/159C/2021.

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

According to the charge, the NDLEA alleged that the defendants conspired on or about May 4, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilogrammes of Tramadol, a narcotic substance, without lawful authority.

In one of the counts, the agency alleged that Enidom, Ibekwute and Mallinson conspired to possess the prohibited substance, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The prosecution further alleged that the three defendants knowingly possessed the 322 kilogrammes of Tramadol without lawful authority, contrary to and punishable under Section 11 of the same Act.

The NDLEA contended that the alleged offences were committed within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

At Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo, informed the court that the matter was slated for the commencement of trial and subsequently called its first witness.

The witness, Dogo Hyelda Moses, an operative of the NDLEA, testified on the role he played after the defendants were arrested and brought before him alongside exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.

Giving evidence before the court, Moses narrated how the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process.

He also explained the steps he took in handling the defendants and the recovered items.

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

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

The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses as it seeks to prove the allegations that the defendants conspired to possess and unlawfully possessed 322 kilogrammes of Tramadol.

The defendants, however, maintain their innocence and continue to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence pending the determination of the charges against them. (The Guardian)