Convicted Drug Baron Faces Another Drug Trafficking Charges

Adigwe, When He Was Arrested

A convicted drug trafficker, Steve Adigwe, has again been arraigned before a Lagos Federal High Court, for trafficking in 75. 75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Steve, also known as Obobo Isioma and  Obobo Madueke Chukwuma was earlier convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the same division of the court, on March 3, 2023, for trafficking in cocaine.

He was however given a fine option of N500, 000, in lieu of the jail-term.

The convict was again re-arraigned before Justice Aluko, on May 3, a fresh two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 75.75 Kilogrames of Cannabis Indica.

The prosecutor, Mrs. I. O. Iwuchukwu, leading Mr. Jonathan Ogwubor, told the court that the convicted drug trafficker, committed the offences on January 30, 2023, at Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

The prosecutor told the court that the ex-convict, conspired with the trio of Sunday Richard Agbaje, Ezekiel John Okwubuno and Obaro Ehis, all said to be at large, to commit the offences.

Mrs. Iwuchukwu also told the court that the convicted drug trafficker, used two vehicles, Lincoln Navigator and Toyota Yaris, which were concealed in a 40 ft container number MSCU533668-0, to smuggle the drugs.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences committed by the convicted drug trafficker, contravened Sections 11(a) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws cf the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.

The drug trafficker denied the offences and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his not guilty plea, his lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, argued his bail application. 

The application was vehemently opposed by the prosecutor, on the ground that the drug trafficker was recently convicted by that court, and there are other pending charge on drug related offences against him. 

She therefore urged the court to remand the ex-convict and order accelerated hearing.

Justice Aluko, acceded to the prosecutor’s submission, and ordered that the drug trafficker be remanded till the determination of the charges against him.

Meanwhile, at the Wednesday’s trial of the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered several exhibits which were admitted by the court 

Counsel to the convicted drug trafficker, equally cross-examined all the witnesses called by the prosecution.

Further hearing on the charges has been adjourned till June 20 and 21 for continuation of trial.