A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of an alleged transborder drug smuggler, Adediran Aliu Oluwaseun, in a correctional facility for his involvement in drug trafficking. The 45-year-old suspect is accused of smuggling 25 kilogrammes of cocaine from Ghana into Nigeria.
Arraignment and Charges
Justice Musa Kakaki issued the remand order after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge brought against him by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The charges were presented by the agency's prosecutor, Abdullahi Buhari.
According to the prosecution, the defendant was arrested on February 10, 2026, at Oloko in the Badagry area of Lagos State. He allegedly conspired with an individual identified only as Biggy, who remains at large, to commit the offence.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant used a green Toyota Highlander with registration number MUS 275 GW to smuggle the prohibited drugs from Ghana into Nigeria. The alleged offences violate Sections 14(a) and 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the defendant maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bail Application and Ruling
Following the plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial and moved a motion for the interim forfeiture of the Toyota Highlander allegedly used in the crime. The defence counsel, however, requested bail for the defendant on liberal terms, arguing that his client was merely a driver. The prosecution opposed the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki refused the bail application and ordered the defendant to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He also directed an accelerated hearing of the case.
Adjournment and Forfeiture
The judge adjourned the matter to June 22, 23, and 24 for trial and granted the interim forfeiture of the vehicle allegedly used to transport the drugs. The case continues to attract attention as the NDLEA intensifies efforts to combat transborder drug smuggling.
