Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, ordered the remand of a middle-aged man, Uche Ezeh, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre after he pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related offences, including the attempted exportation of 4.40 kilograms of cocaine and 11.50 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
Ezeh was arraigned before the court on a two-count charge filed by federal prosecutors, who informed the court that he was intercepted during an outbound screening operation intended to prevent the smuggling of narcotics through Nigeria’s international borders. The prosecution alleged that the defendant had concealed the illicit substances in a manner suggesting deliberate intent to evade law-enforcement checks.
During the arraignment, Ezeh did not contest the charges. His guilty plea prompted the presiding judge to order his immediate remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the conclusion of formal judicial procedures. The court further fixed December 12, 2025, for a review of the case facts—an essential step that allows the prosecution to present detailed evidence, including the circumstances of the arrest, drug seizure analysis, packaging method, and investigation reports.
The fact-review stage will also provide an opportunity for the defence to present any mitigating circumstances that may influence sentencing, such as background information, cooperation with investigators, or the absence of previous criminal records.
Legal practitioners observing the matter note that guilty pleas in drug-exportation cases typically accelerate the trial timeline, leaving sentencing largely dependent on statutory guidelines and the discretion of the court. Convictions for offences involving cocaine and cannabis carry severe penalties under Nigerian law, reflecting the government’s stance on combating drug trafficking and its associated criminal networks.
Anti-narcotics agencies have described the case as another reminder of ongoing attempts by traffickers to exploit Nigeria’s borders for illegal drug movement, despite increased surveillance and tighter screening protocols.
Ezeh will remain in custody until the December 12, 2025 hearing, when the court is expected to formally review the evidence and deliver its judgment.
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