Court Approves Destruction of ₦480bn Meth Lab in Ogun
The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to destroy an alleged ₦480 billion methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Justice Musa Kakaki gave the order on Friday despite objections raised by three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians currently standing trial over the alleged establishment and operation of the illegal drug factory.
The judge, however, directed the NDLEA to preserve some chemicals identified by the defence as important evidence needed for the ongoing trial.
Counsel for the NDLEA, Buhari Abdullahi, told the court that the application was made to protect public health and safety, arguing that the suspected drug laboratory posed serious environmental and health risks.
He informed the court that NDLEA officers had remained at the site for more than two months and had been exposed to dangerous chemicals while securing the area.
Abdullahi also recalled that Justice Kakaki visited the site on July 22 and observed that everyone entering the premises had to wear face masks and specialised protective equipment because of the toxic environment.
According to the prosecutor, even defence lawyers took safety precautions during the inspection, while he personally suffered an allergic reaction and had to leave the site.
Counsel to the defendants, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, arguing that the substances sought to be destroyed were vital evidence in the criminal case.
He maintained that the defendants should be allowed to carry out independent forensic examinations before any destruction was approved, warning that doing otherwise could prejudice their defence.
After hearing both sides, Justice Kakaki granted NDLEA’s request but ordered that certain chemicals identified by the defence must not be destroyed pending the trial.
The defendants, made up of three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians, are facing 11 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organisation and possession of precursor chemicals. They all pleaded not guilty and remain in custody.