A South African court has refused bail to a 51-year-old Nigerian citizen facing serious drug dealing charges involving narcotics valued at over R1.5 million.
Court Rejects Bail Application
The Klerksdorp Magistrates' Court denied bail to Michael Okoya after the prosecution successfully argued he represented a significant flight risk. The decision, delivered in November 2025, followed extensive bail proceedings where the state presented compelling evidence against releasing the accused.
Advocate Riekie Krause, representing the state, opposed bail by submitting three affidavits from law enforcement officials. These included testimony from a senior SAPS official who received intelligence about a planned escape attempt, the investigating officer handling the case, and the officer who confiscated a cellphone from the defendant.
The Arrest and Drug Seizure
Okoya's legal troubles began on September 2, 2025, when a coordinated operation targeted his Klerksdorp residence. The raid involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Crime Intelligence, and the Tactical Response Team.
During the search operation, authorities discovered and confiscated substantial quantities of illegal drugs. The haul included crystal meth, kat, and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value exceeding R1.5 million.
Notably, Okoya was not present during the initial raid, prompting an intensive manhunt. He was subsequently apprehended in September 2025 after police acted on credible intelligence regarding his whereabouts.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The court heard that the accused had expressed intentions to abscond if granted bail. After carefully considering all evidence presented, the magistrate determined that Okoya indeed posed a flight risk and denied his bail application.
The case has been postponed to December 9, 2025 to allow for further investigation. Both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have welcomed the court's decision to keep the suspect in custody.
Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, and Brigadier Georgia Moos, Acting Head of the Hawks in the North West, praised the collaborative efforts of the investigating teams. They emphasized their commitment to dismantling drug networks and holding accountable those who distribute substances that harm communities.
