Drug dealers nabbed as Governo Obiano intensifies fight against crime

Efforts by the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano to fast track trial  of crime suspects have started yielding dividends as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Monday confirmed arrest and prosecution of two drug  dealers,  Mrs Afoma Okagbue, 44, and her daughter, Linda, 22, at the Federal High Court, sitting in Awka.

Governor Obiano recently told a delegation at the Governor’s Lodge that the Judiciary has a fundamental role to play in the fight against criminals and criminalities in the state by ensuring quick dispensation of Justice.

 The two suspects were arraigned  on a three-count charge for conspiring and illegal  dealing on cocaine, and cannabis sativa, narcotics drugs  contrary to and punishable  under Section 14(b) of the  NDLEA Act Cap N30 of the  Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004

The suspects were also accused of  possessing without lawful authority dealing in 11.2 grammes of cocaine, a narcotic drug, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 11© of the same NDLEA Act .

They were equally dealing without authority in 5.1 grams of Cannabis sativa, a narcotic drug and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the same NDLEA Act

Speaking after the two suspects were charged at the Federal Court,  the Prosecuting  Counsel and Head of  Legal Unit of the NDLEA, Mr. Parick Eshua, confirmed that the duo were arrested at Umota Village, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area on Tuesday last week over the alleged crimes.

Mr. Eshua said prosecution of the case was very important to the Agency because one of the suspects, Linda, a student, was indoctrinated into drug peddling by her own mother, stressing that no parent should introduce a daughter to an illicit business that would smear the image of the entire family.

However, following oral application from the defense counsel, Mr. Chinwuba Ndukihe, the judge granted bail to the two suspects with two sureties for each of the accused persons who must be residents in Awka and a civil servant of Grade Level 10 and above while the prosecuting counsel must verify the addresses of the sureties.

The prosecuting counsel explained that the judge applied immunity in granting the oral application instead of formal application ahead of the approaching judicial recess while the defence counsel Ndukihe said they would try to meet the bail conditions

The case was subsequently adjourned to 11^th December 2014 when the judiciary is expected to have returned from recess.