A Lagos High Court on Tuesday ordered the NDLEA to unconditionally release Michael Adebulehin, a South African Airways manager, arrested over alleged importation of 500 grammes of cocaine.
Ruling on a bail application brought by Adebulehin's counsel, Mr Ajibola Dailley, Justice Bolaji Candide-Johnson held that the detention of Adebulehin by the NDLEA without filing a formal charge was “unlawful and a flagrant violation of his fundamental human rights.
The actions of the officials of the NDLEA in detaining the applicant since Friday, Nov. 19 is an unlawful violation of his right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The respondent shall immediately release the applicant from custody and a production warrant is to be issued for the purpose of his release.
He faulted the NDLEA for its lack of representation in the matter despite being served by the opposing counsel.
Adebulehin, a SAA passenger service baggage manager, was arrested on duty at the Murtala Muhammed Airport over alleged attempt to smuggle a bag containing 500 grammes of cocaine-- unlawfully imported from Brazil-- out of the airport.
This followed the arrest of one Jinadu Ganiyu, 37, with 1.5kg of cocaine at the airport on Oct. 31 by the NDLEA.
Jinadu had checked-in four bags from Brazil but on arrival in Lagos, only 3 bags were found. He then reported the missing luggage to the SAA before his arrest by the NDLEA.
Unknown to the SAA manager that the passenger had been arrested, Adebulehin directed that the missing bag which arrived on Nov. 9, 2010, be dispatched to one Jinadu who had made repeated calls to the airline for the controversial bag.
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