NDLEA Begins Trial of Billionaire and Two Others Over Alleged 322‑kg Tramadol Possession

wale Igbintade

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has begun the trial of billionaire businessman Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson and two associates, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The case concerns allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.

The proceedings are being heard by Justice Yellim Bogoro, who assumed the case after former judge Justice Peter Lifu was transferred to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The three defendants are charged under NDLEA case number FHC/L/159C/2021.

They were arraigned in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The charge alleges that on or about 4 May 2021, at Ikeja, Lagos, the defendants conspired to possess 322 kg of Tramadol without lawful authority.

One count accuses Pius Enidom, Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute and Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson of conspiring to possess the prohibited substance, an offence punishable under Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The prosecution also alleges that the defendants knowingly possessed the 322 kg of Tramadol without lawful authority, contrary to and punishable under Section 11 of the same Act.

The NDLEA maintains that the offences fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

During the session, the prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo, informed the court that the trial had commenced and then called its first witness.

The witness, Dogo Hyelda Moses, an NDLEA operative, testified about his role after the defendants were arrested and brought before him, along with exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.

Moses described how the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process and explained the steps he took in handling the defendants and the recovered items.

He was subsequently cross‑examined by defence counsel, including senior advocate B.C. Igwilo (SAN), as well as Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who represented the defendants.

The admission of evidence marks a significant development in the criminal proceedings, which have been pending since the defendants were first arraigned several years ago.

The case was initially heard by Justice Peter Lifu; his transfer from the Lagos Division required the reassignment to Justice Bogoro.

At the end of the day’s proceedings, Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter to 5 November for continuation of the trial.

The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses as it seeks to establish the allegations that the defendants conspired to possess and unlawfully possessed 322 kg of Tramadol.

The defendants maintain their innocence and continue to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence pending the determination of the charges against them.