NDLEA Opposes Bail for 10 Defendants in Meth Lab Case

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has opposed bail applications for 10 defendants, including three Mexican nationals, charged with operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Ogun State. Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the ruling on these applications until September 2, 2026.

The defendants face an 11-count charge related to the illegal production and possession of 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, along with precursor chemicals recovered from a laboratory in Iloti Village, Ijebu East Local Government Area. Defence Counsel Benson Ndakara argued for bail on the grounds of fundamental rights and health concerns, while NDLEA Prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi countered, labeling the defendants as high flight risks.

Abdullahi noted that the alleged financier, Anochili Innocent, has dual Nigerian-Mexican citizenship, heightening concerns of international absconding. The substantive trial has commenced with the first witness testifying, and forensic evidence indicated the site was specifically designed for drug manufacturing.