A Lagos Federal High Court, has fixed October 6, for the trial of Mr. Ukatu Afamefuna Mallison, a billionaire and industrialist and his worker, Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, who were charged before the court on alleged conspiracy, illegal dealing, trading and possession of 322 kilograms of Tramadol, a banned substance.
Mallinson and his codefendant, were linked to the suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abba Kyiari in an alleged N3 billion drug deal
The two defendants were charged before the court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, alongside one Pius Enidom, who has absconded after he was granted bail, on May 4, 2021, in charge marked FHC/L/159c/2021, filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Justice Lifu, fixed October 6 for the commencement of the defendants’ trial after delivering ruling on the bail application.
The billionaire and his worker, were admitted to bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in the like sum.
One of the sureties, according to the judge, must be an industrialist, specifically, a member of member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), who must be a landed property owner within the court jurisdiction. While the second surety must be a Grade Level 15 official either in federal or Lagos State government establishment.
The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passport with the court’s Registrar and to file affidavit of dual citizenship if they’re. Adding that they should be reporting to the prosecuting agency, NDLEA every 14 days till the determination of the charges against them. While also ordered that the court Registrars should verify the bail terms.
Meanwhile, counsel to the first defendant, Benson Ndakara, has assured the court of bring his client, Pius Enidom, to court to continue his trial.
Ndakara who told the court that he was disappointed with his client’s attitude, further told the court that he had sent his partner to Anambra State, to lay ambush against the runaway defendant.
The billionaire, Mallinson, and others were charged before the court by the NDLEA on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful dealing, possession and trafficking on 322 kilograms of Tramadol.
They were alleged to have May 4, 2021 at Ikeja, Lagos State.
The alleged offences, which the prosecutor, Mrs. Theresa Asuquo, said contravened Sections 14(b); 11 and 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federal on Nigeria (LFN) 2004.
The offences which they have denied and pleaded not guilty.
Following their plea of not guilty, the lawyers led by Victor Opara (SAN) filed their bail application and asked the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal terms.
