A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to destroy an alleged N480 billion methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The order was granted on Friday by Justice Musa Kakaki, despite opposition from three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians currently standing trial over the alleged establishment of the factory and the production of methamphetamine.
However, the judge directed the NDLEA to preserve some of the disputed chemicals identified by the defendants for use as evidence during the trial.
Arguing the application before the court, NDLEA counsel Buhari Abdullahi said the destruction of the clandestine laboratory was necessary on public health and environmental safety grounds.
He told the court that the agency’s personnel had remained at the site for more than two months, exposing them to dangerous chemical substances.
Abdullahi recalled that Justice Kakaki personally visited the laboratory on July 22, where he observed that anyone entering the facility was required to wear face masks and specialised protective equipment because of the hazardous environment.
According to the prosecutor, even defence lawyers had to take safety precautions during the inspection, while he himself suffered an allergic reaction that forced him to leave the site.
Counsel to the defendants, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, describing it as premature and prejudicial to the defence.
He argued that the alleged methamphetamine and other substances the NDLEA intended to destroy constituted critical evidence in the case and should be preserved until they were formally tendered and admitted as exhibits during the trial.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Kakaki ruled in favour of the NDLEA’s application but ordered the agency not to destroy specific chemicals identified by the defence, pending their use in court proceedings.
The defendants in the case are Juan 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 kingpin.
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.
The trial is expected to continue as the court considers the charges against the defendants.
