Court Inspects ₦480bn Meth Lab; Hearing Adjourned to July 24

The trial of alleged drug baron Innocent Orji, three Mexican nationals, and six others regarding the operation of a ₦480 billion clandestine methamphetamine laboratory progressed as the Federal High Court, led by Justice Musa Kakaki, conducted an inspection of the suspected facility in Mowe, Ogun State. Accompanied by the ten defendants, their lawyers, and officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the court examined the site where prosecutors claim methamphetamine was produced.

Prosecution witness Ajilema Anebi identified chemicals and equipment allegedly used in the operation. However, the defense, represented by Benson Ndaraka, objected to the prosecution's attempt to submit some recovered substances as evidence during the inspection, arguing that the actual methamphetamine was not presented.

Justice Kakaki ruled that arguments regarding the admissibility of the evidence would be addressed in court. The hearing has been adjourned to July 24.

NDLEA's Femi Babafemi described the laboratory as a significant discovery with implications for public health and security.