The Federal Government has charged a senior Immigration officer, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, who works at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, with drug trafficking.
He appeared in court alongside three others: Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, a Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria staff member, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril.
The four were brought before Justice Daniel Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
They face a nine-count charge including conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and dealing in banned substances. Akomolafe is specifically accused of trafficking 8 kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana).
Prosecutor Abu Ibrahim told the court, “The four men are part of a drug syndicate. They were arrested on May 21, 2024, at Murtala Muhammad International Airport while trying to smuggle these drugs.”
Ibrahim added that Akomolafe was charged with six counts of conspiracy, unlawful importation, unlawful possession, and trafficking of the banned substances. The other three defendants faced three counts each for conspiracy, unlawful importation, and possession of the drugs.
The prosecutor said the charges contravene sections of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
While Olufemi, Amaechi, and Cyril pleaded guilty to the charges, Akomolafe pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Benson Ndakara, requested bail on the most lenient terms.
Justice Osiagor granted Akomolafe bail set at N10 million with one surety, who must be an assistant director in Lagos State or Federal Government employment. The trial was adjourned to November 7, 2024.
For their guilty pleas, Olufemi, Amaechi, and Cyril were sentenced to four years in prison on each count, to be served concurrently. They also have the option to pay a fine of N2 million per count.
