Interpreter’s Absence Stalls Trial Of 10 Thais, 9 Nigerians Accused Of Smuggling 32.9kg Of Cocaine

Interpreter’s Absence Stalls Trial Of 10 Thais, 9 Nigerians Accused Of Smuggling 32.9kg Of Cocaine

The scheduled trial of a vessel, MV Chayaneenaree, 10 Thailand Nationals and nine Nigerians, who were accused of smuggling 32.9 kilograms of Cocaine to the country, before a Lagos Federal High Court, today, was scuttled due to the nonavailability of an interpreter.

Those to face trial alongside the vessel of charges of conspiracy unlawful importation and transportation of the said banned substance are; Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; Thammarong Put-t-ek; Worrapat Paopinta; Marut Kantaprom; Werapat Somboonying; Urkit Amsri; Panudet Jaisuk and Amrat Thawom.

And their Nigerian counterparts are: Samuel Messiah; Ishaya Maisamari; Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey; Osabeye Stephen; Gbenga Ogunfadeke; Kayode Buletiri; Rilwan Omotosho Liasu; Saidi Sule Alani and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.

The defendants, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were arrested on October 13, 2021, at Apapa, were they allegedly committed the offences.

They were accused of commiting the alleged crimes on alongside Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph and one Tunde all said to be at large

All the defendants according to the prosecutors, Mrs. Theresa Asuquo and Mr. Fingere Owen Dinneys, acted in contravention of sections 11 (b), 11(a) and 14 (b)  of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. 

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before the court, and equally admitted to bail in various terms and conditions.

At the resumed hearing of the charge today, the prosecuting counsel, Fingere Owen Dinneys, informed the court of its agency’s inability to secure a competent interpreter, as directed by the court at the last hearing of the charge.

The prosecutor consequently asked for an adjournment, till when an interpreter would be secured.

But counsel to all the defendants, who includes, Mr. Femi Atoyebi (SAN); Benson Ndakara; Chief Lilian Omotunde; Bayo Onifade; Emeka Azubuike and O Pius of Minerva Legal Practice, did not opposed to the prosecutor’s request for adjournment.

Consequently, Justice Osiagor, adjourned to June 23, for commencement of defendants’ trial.

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