NDLEA Trials Billionaire Over 322kg Tramadol Case

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has begun the trial of billionaire businessman Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson and two associates, Piu Enidom and Sundai Ifeanyi Ibekwu, over the alleged unlawful possession and trafficking of 322 kilograms of tramadol. The trial commenced at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, following the transfer of the case from former trial judge Justice Peter Lifu.

The defendants were previously arraigned in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The NDLEA alleges that the defendants conspired to possess the narcotic drug without lawful authority on May 4, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo, informed the court that the trial would include testimonies from witnesses, including NDLEA operatives. The case has been adjourned until November 5 for further proceedings, with the defendants maintaining their innocence.