A clearing agent, Agoro Moninuola, has been arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency before a Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged attempted exportation of 2.80 kilograms of cocaine to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The defendant was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful procurement, and exportation of narcotic drugs.

The NDLEA prosecutor, Arit Okon, told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with two persons identified as Azeez Nurudeen and Nuru, who are currently at large, to traffic the illicit substance abroad in April 2026.

Okon told the court that the alleged offence was carried out through the SAHCO Export Shed located within the customs area of the MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos.

She further informed the court that the cocaine consignment was intercepted during an outward examination of cargo before it could be exported to the United Kingdom.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant unlawfully procured the services of Ama Obinna Ufiem of Amirotex Global Nigeria Limited and Adebayo Ayomide Stephen of STG World Cargo Logistics to facilitate the exportation of the narcotic substance.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 14(b), 21(2)(d), and 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand him in custody pending trial and asked for a date for the commencement of trial.

Counsel to the defendant, Chief Benson Ndakara, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

He therefore prayed the court to allow him to move the bail application and grant his request.

Responding, Okon confirmed receipt of the application and disclosed that the NDLEA had also filed an eight-paragraph counter-affidavit opposing the request for bail.

She prayed for the court to rule in the agency’s favour.

In his ruling, Justice Osiagor granted the defendant bail after considering arguments from both parties and citing several judicial authorities.

The court admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10m, with one surety in a like sum.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to October 28, 2026, for the commencement of trial. (The PUNCH)

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