All things being equal, the trial will commence on the criminal charge made against a Catholic Church knight, Sir Basil Okafor, alongside his cousin, Okwuchukwu Izuchukwu, who were said to have trafficked in 2.169 kilograms of heroin, on January 17 and 18, 2024.
Justice Daniel Osiagor of a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, fixed the date sequel to the consent of the prosecutor, Mr Umar Hussain and the lawyer for the defence, Chief Benson Ndakara.
Sir Okafor and his cousin were first dragged before the judge on May 18, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for allegedly trafficking in the prohibited substance.
According to the NDLEA, Sir Okafor and his cousin, allegedly committed the offence on March 28, 2022, at their residence, 26 Akpomule Street, Isolo-Okota Area of Lagos, Lagos State.
Arraigning the defendants, the prosecutor hinted to Justice Osiagor that the duo, without unlawful authority, possessed, dealt and distributed the prohibited drug.
The prosecutor further told the court that the Catholic Church knight perverted the course of justice, by obstructing the NDLEA operatives, who were on official assignment to arrest him in connection to the prohibited drug.
Hussain equally argued before the judge that during the arrest, the Knight, in the course of covering up the illegal act, allegedly threw his mobile phone, an iPhone 7*A1661 with IMEI Numbers 3494 7108650649 containing MTN SIM card (09036306438) into a toilet water closet.
He also maintained that the alleged act of the defendants contravened Sections 14(b); 24(b); 20(1)(a) and 49 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (As amended), and punishable under Sections 20(2)(a) and 20(2)(b) of the same Act.
But Sir Okafor and his cousin pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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