Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has granted the prayer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seeking to destroy an alleged N480 billion methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Justice Kakaki granted the application on Friday, despite opposition by three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians standing trial over the establishment of the factory and production of the illegal substance.
However, the court ordered NDLEA to exclude some contentious chemicals, which the defendants claimed they needed for their case during the trial.
The NDLEA, through its counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, while urging the court to grant its prayer to destroy the factory, held the application was on the grounds of public health and safety, arguing that the clandestine laboratory poses a serious environmental and health risk.
Abdullahi informed the court that agency officials had remained stationed at the site for more than two months, exposing them to hazardous chemicals.
He recalled that Justice Kakaki personally inspected the suspected drug laboratory on July 22 and noted that everyone who entered the premises had to wear facemasks and specialised protective equipment because of the toxic environment.
According to the prosecutor, even defence counsel had to take safety precautions during the inspection, while he suffered an allergic reaction that forced him to leave the site.
However, counsel to the defendants, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, describing it as premature and capable of prejudicing the defence. Ndakara argued that the alleged methamphetamine and other substances sought to be destroyed constitute crucial evidence in the ongoing criminal trial.
After listening to both parties, Justice Kakaki granted NDLEA’s application but restrained the agency from destroying some of the contentious chemicals mentioned by the defendants.
The defendants are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; Nwobum Emeka, 59; and Anochili Innocent, 63, whom prosecutors identified as the alleged drug baron.
They are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals. All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody pending the determination of the case.
