A drug baron, Nzubeka Emmanuel, standing trial for unlawful dealing in 1.050 kilograms of cocaine has been convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday.
Justice Jude Kanyon Dagat found him guilty of one count charge brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Trouble started for the convict sometimes in June 4, 2015, when he was arrested at the SAHCOL Export Shed of Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, when he wanted to unlawfully export 1.050 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and heroin.
Following his arrest, he was brought before Justice Dagat, on a count charge which read: “that you Nzubeka Emmanuel, male, adult on or about the 4th day of June 2015 at SAHCOL Export Shed of Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court lawful authority exported 1.050 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin or LSD and thereby committed an offence contrary to and Punishable Under Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
However, he denied the allegation, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Then, the anti-narcotic agency through prosecution counsel, Mr. Austine Nwagu, commenced his trial.
During the convict’s trial, seven witnesses were called and several items including the seized banned drug, his confessional statements, forensic report on the drug, and others were tendered and admitted by the court as exhibits.
Handing down the judgement, Justice Dagat, who is currently sitting at the Maiduguri, Borno State, but has the court’s Chief Judge’s ‘fiat’ (authority) to conclude the matter, held that; “the prosecution, based on the overwhelming evidence and facts, and exhibits presented before the court, has successfully proved the charge against the convict beyond every reasonable doubt.”
Hence, Justice Dagat sentenced the drug baron to 10 years imprisonment without option of fine.
Meanwhile, the judge ordered that some nine months used by the convict before meeting the bail terms, be removed from the jail term.
