NDLEA opposes bail for 10 defendants in N480bn Ogun methamphetamine lab case

The prosecution values the alleged laboratory at N480bn and states it was discovered at Iloti Village. The defendants, identified as Anochili Innocent, Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, Jesus Lopez Valles, Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remujus, Ifeanychukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, and Nwobum Emeka, face charges related to illicit methamphetamine production, trafficking, and possession of precursor chemicals. Their counsel, Benson Ndakara, argued for bail before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, citing fundamental rights, the bailable nature of the offenses, and alleged deteriorating health conditions for some defendants.

The defendants claimed they intended to establish a poultry farm, piggery, and alcoholic wine manufacturing business at the site. However, NDLEA counsel Buhari Abdullahi opposed bail, arguing that there was no urgency for a vacation court hearing, the defendants posed a flight risk, and their health concerns were not beyond the correctional center's medical capabilities. Abdullahi highlighted the international nature of the alleged criminal enterprise, noting that three defendants are Mexican nationals and the first defendant has dual Nigerian and Mexican citizenship.

He stated th