LAGOS – A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday commenced the trial of three men over alleged trafficking in 50 grammes of cocaine.
The accused, Paul Okeke, Chinedu Egwu and Solomon Onah, are standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on drug trafficking.
The Prosecutor, Orji Kalu, had told the court that the trio committed the offence on July 3, 2013.
Kalu said that the accused persons were caught by some officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Ajao Estate area of Lagos.
He said that the accused were unlawfully in possession of 50g of cocaine.
At the resumed hearing, Mr Lawrence Odede, an Exhibit Keeper attached to NDLEA, Ikeja, testified in court against the accused.
Odede told the court that the accused were brought to him with some white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.
He said that the trio confirmed that the substance was recovered from them.
Odede said that a test was carried out on the substance and it proved positive to cocaine.
He said the sample of the substance was also taken to a forensic expert, for further clarification.
Odede said some forms were issued out after the substance was tested, adding that they were the certificate of test analysis, parking of substance form and request for scientific aid form.
The prosecutor tendered them to the court and they were admitted in evidence.
Counsel to the accused, Mr O. Ojakovo, cross-examined the witness, to ascertain if he was among the officers that arrested the accused.
The prosecutor urged the court to adjourn the case, to enable him call other witnesses.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, however, adjourned the case till July 7, for continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused were first arraigned on Oct 24, 2012 but were granted bail.
The case was before retired Justice B. Molokwu, before it was transferred to Aneke.
A drug trafficking offence could attract life imprisonment, if convicted. (NAN)
