The Federal Government has formally charged Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, a senior Immigration officer stationed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. Alongside him, three other individuals have also been arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The group faces a nine-count charge related to alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and trafficking of prohibited substances.
Akomolafe Gbenga Michael is specifically accused of trafficking 8 kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana. His co-defendants include Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, reportedly an employee of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and two others identified as Nwadozie Chris Amaechi and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril.
Prosecutor Abu Ibrahim informed the court that the four accused individuals were apprehended on May 21, 2024, while attempting to smuggle the illicit substances out of Murtala Muhammad International Airport. Ibrahim further revealed that the accused are part of a larger drug trafficking syndicate, which also includes Nwadozie Sunday and Echezona Nwosu, who are allegedly based in South Africa.
The charges against the Immigration officer, Akomolafe, include six counts of conspiracy, unlawful importation, unlawful possession, and trafficking of banned substances. Meanwhile, Olufemi, Nwadozie, and Nwosu face three counts each of conspiracy, unlawful importation, and possession of the prohibited drugs.
The prosecutor highlighted that their actions violate sections 14(b), 21(2)(d), and 20(1)(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and are punishable under sections 11(b) and 20(2)(b) of the same Act.
During the court proceedings, while Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril pleaded guilty to the charges, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael pleaded not guilty. Following his plea, Akomolafe’s lawyer, Benson Ndakara, requested that the court grant his client bail under the most lenient conditions possible.
In his ruling, Justice Osiagor granted Akomolafe bail in the amount of N10 million, with the condition that he provide one surety. The surety must be a civil servant of at least assistant director cadre employed by either the Lagos State or Federal Government.
The court has scheduled the trial for November 7, 2024. In contrast, the three co-defendants who pleaded guilty were immediately convicted and sentenced. Each of the convicted individuals—Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril—received a four-year prison sentence on each count. These sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, the court offered them the option of paying a fine of N2 million on each count in lieu of serving their prison sentences.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat drug trafficking and related crimes, particularly within critical infrastructures such as international airports. The apprehension and prosecution of these individuals serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the integrity of its law enforcement agencies.
The involvement of an Immigration officer and an employee of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria highlights the concerning issue of insider threats and corruption within key governmental institutions. The court’s decision to set stringent bail conditions and impose substantial sentences reflects the judiciary’s commitment to addressing these serious offenses with the severity they warrant.
As the trial progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these legal proceedings unfold and what further revelations may emerge regarding the broader network of individuals involved in this drug trafficking syndicate. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for ongoing and future efforts to strengthen the nation’s drug enforcement capabilities and to root out corruption within its ranks.
