A Nigerian based in Brazil, Akudirinwa Hilary Uchenna, was on Monday, arraigned before a Lagos Federal High Court, by the men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly importing 13. 2 kilogrammes of Cocaine from Brazil.
The prosecutor, Juliana Imaobong Iroabuchi, said the 52-year-old Uchenna, was arrested with the banned substance, on April 9, 2022, during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways from Brazil to Nigeria at the D-Arrival Hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant conspired with the duo of Chima and Enyi, who both reside in Brazil to commit the illicit acts.
The prosecutor told the court further that the defendant charged N3.5 million to courier the drug, and that the sum of N1, 325 million, had been paid to his bank account number 2176669335, with the promise that the balance would be paid upon delivery.
She told the court that the offences committed by the defendant are contrary to and punishable under Sections 11(b) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
The presiding judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, after listening to the submissions of Counsel, adjourned till Thursday for ruling on the bail application.
