Court remands man, 28, for alleged possession of illicit drugs

A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Friday ordered the remand of one Haruna Sani, 28, in a correction centre for allegedly being in possession of 1kg of cocaine and 2kg of cannabis sativa.

Sani, whose address was not given, was charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with conspiracy and possession of illicit drugs.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Garba, gave the order after the NDLEA counsel, Mr T. J. Atserhegh, pleaded with the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of the charge against him and others currently at large.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant and two others now at large, had on March 16, at Kawo area of Kaduna, conspired among themselves and dealt in 1kg of cocaine and 2kg of cannabis (marijuana).

He said the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 241 and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the defendant, Samira Rabiu, pleaded with the court to grant her client bail.

While moving her bail application, Rabiu said she relied on her written address and assured the court that the defendant would not jump bail as he would provide reliable sureties.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offence of drug trafficking attracts a term of life imprisonment on conviction.

The judge adjourned the case until May 2 for ruling in his bail applications.