By TrackNews Online
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the trial of billionaire businessman, Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, alongside two associates, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, over allegations bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.
The trial commenced on Monday before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, to the Abuja Division of the court.
The defendants are standing trial in Charge No. FHC/L/159C/2021 and had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned in 2022.
According to the NDLEA, the defendants allegedly conspired on or about May 4, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilograms of Tramadol, a controlled narcotic substance, without lawful authority.
The anti-narcotics agency further alleged that the defendants knowingly possessed the prohibited drug in violation of Sections 11 and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution team, led by Barristers Adekunle Adebajo and Owoyomi, informed the court that the matter was slated for the commencement of trial and subsequently called its first witness.
The witness, Mr. Dogo Hyelda Moses, an operative of the NDLEA, testified on the role he played following the arrest of the defendants and the handling of exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.
While giving evidence, Moses told the court that the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process. He outlined the procedures followed in documenting and processing both the defendants and the seized items.
The witness was thereafter cross-examined by the defence team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, B.C. Igwilo, alongside Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who appeared for the defendants.
The commencement of witness testimony marks a major milestone in the criminal proceedings, which have remained pending since the defendants were first arraigned several years ago.
Following the day’s proceedings, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case until November 5, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The NDLEA is expected to present additional witnesses and evidence in a bid to prove the allegations against the defendants.
However, the three accused persons continue to maintain their innocence and are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
