In a significant legal development on Thursday, November 23, 2023, Nigerian nationals Emmanuel Chukwujekwu Onuegbu, Ikenna Richard Godwin, and Ifeanyi Joseph Onyebuchi were remanded in prison by Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Court No 1.
The trio faced charges related to the alleged possession of a substantial quantity of cocaine, kush, jamba, and tramadol without lawful authority.
During their initial court appearance, the accused individuals were arraigned on ten counts, including the possession of equipment intended for drug manufacturing and 33 grosses of tramadol weighing 30.2 kilograms, without lawful authorization. Despite the charges being presented and explained, no pleas were entered by the defendants.
Prosecutor ASP Ibrahim S Mansaray requested an adjournment to summon witnesses, while defense lawyer KT Mansaray sought bail for his clients.
He emphasized that the accusations, though serious, were mere allegations until proven otherwise.
KT Mansaray argued that the accused posed no flight risk and were unlikely to interfere with prosecution witnesses, invoking Section 79, Subsection 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
However, Magistrate Ngegba denied bail, citing the severity of the charges.
The court scheduled the next hearing for November 28, 2023, as this unfolding legal saga continues to capture attention.
