Court Frees Six Indians, Nigerian Accused of Importing Cocaine

The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday discharged seven Indians and a Nigerian charged with unlawful importation of cocaine.

Justice Ayokunle Faji held that they had no case to answer.

The Indians are Singh Vikash, Kunnaserypallam Ashraf Inzam, Xaiver Fernando Santhanaria, Mandal Surjeet Ashok, Tandel Pratikkumar Pravinbai and Barthwal Rohan Sunil.

The Nigerian is Shedrack Yurama.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the seven on a three-count amended charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 43.1kg of cocaine.

The men were arraigned on July 9, 2021, alongside five others.

The five are Tobi Ojo, Kunle Animashaun, Peter Odigie Osazuwa and Oilways Logistics and Energy Limited and Omozusi Enorose Terry.

They were alleged to have committed the offences alongside one Franklyn Pereowei Godwin, said to be at large on February 8, 2021, at the Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos.

The NDLEA alleged that they brought in the banned substance on a vessel named MV Spar SCORPIO, contrary to sections 11(a) and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.

During the trial, the prosecution called 25 witnesses and tendered several exhibits, which were admitted by the court.

But the defendants filed no-case submissions.

Justice Faji upheld the no-case submissions filed by their team of counsel including Mr. Femi Atoyebi, Tunde Adejuyigbe – both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) – and others.

The judge, however, ordered the four others charged with them – Ojo; Animashaun; Oilways Logistics and Energy; Osazuwa and Terry – to open their defence.

He also ordered the NDLEA to release their international passports.

He adjourned till December 6, 8 and 9, for the other defendants to open their defence.