Court fixes Oct. 8 for ruling on the bail applications by five drug suspects

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed Oct.8 for ruling on the bail applications filed by five accused charged with importing cocaine.

The five, including two foreign nationals, were arraigned by the NDLEA on Aug. 16 on a four-count charge before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

They were charged with conspiracy, importation and aiding of importation of 450 kg of cocaine, worth N4 billion.

The accused, Fong Chiu Sen (Taiwanese), Wang Richard (Chinese), Inua Mohammed, Ezeala Kingsley and Godswill Asomugha, were arrested by the NDLEA at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos in July.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their Counsel, Benson Ndakara had urged the Court to grant his clients bail on the grounds that the offence was bailable and that they were first time offenders.

While Femi Oloruntoba, NDLEA Counsel, argued that the offence was a serious one and hence, the accused might jump bail.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Justice Abang informed the Counsel that his ruling on the bail application was not ready.

Meanwhile, Abang also fixed Oct. 4, for the continuation of trial.