COURT INSPECTS ALLEGED N480BN METH FACTORY AS NDLEA TRIAL RESUMES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The trial of 10 defendants accused in the alleged ₦480 billion clandestine methamphetamine factory case continued on Wednesday as the Federal High Court conducted a locus in quo at the suspected drug production facility in Ogun State.
The inspection, led by Justice Musa Kakaki, involved the court, prosecution and defence teams touring the industrial site where the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleges methamphetamine was manufactured for distribution beyond Nigeria’s borders.
During the visit, the prosecution resumed the testimony of its first witness, NDLEA laboratory expert, Mr. Ajilema Anebi, who identified the alleged methamphetamine production facility and several chemicals and industrial equipment recovered during the agency’s operation.
Anebi told the court that the laboratory, where the second to eighth defendants were arrested, had the capacity to produce large quantities of methamphetamine intended for export.
He also informed the court that some of the chemicals and equipment previously mentioned in his testimony had already been admitted as exhibits.
The witness identified substances and machinery allegedly used in the production of methamphetamine, including benzyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, sodium cyanide, reaction vessels, reflux distillation systems, gas-powered heating equipment and empty chemical containers.
He further pointed out four industrial reactors, which he described as large-scale production vessels, as well as a metal distillation unit and a 2,000-litre container that forensic analysis reportedly linked to chemicals associated with methamphetamine production.
At various points during the inspection, defence counsel Benson Ndakara challenged aspects of the witness’s testimony, arguing that the prosecution had not sufficiently established the scientific basis of the evidence being presented.
Speaking after the exercise, prosecuting counsel Adekunle Adebajo said the inspection was intended to allow the court to examine the alleged crime scene and key exhibits the prosecution plans to rely on during the trial.
He added that while some of the recovered chemicals were tendered as exhibits during the visit, additional exhibits would be presented when proceedings resume.
However, Ndakara maintained that although the court was shown the equipment and processes allegedly used in producing methamphetamine, the substance itself was not presented.
“What we were shown today was essentially the production process. We did not see methamphetamine itself. There is a distinction between the process of manufacture and the finished product. The defendants are charged with possession of methamphetamine, yet what has been presented relates to production, not the alleged drug,” he argued.
Also commenting on the case, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described the discovery of the facility as a major breakthrough in the agency’s campaign against illicit drug production.
According to him, the quantity of chemicals and equipment recovered underscores the significant threat the operation posed to public health and national security.
“This is another major achievement in our fight against illicit drugs. The volume of materials recovered here could have created serious health and security risks, not only in Nigeria but across the sub-region and beyond,” he said.
Babafemi also expressed concern over attempts by international drug cartels to establish methamphetamine production hubs in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region.
He noted that unlike in the past, such operations are now being concealed in remote forest locations to evade detection.
“The NDLEA will not allow criminal networks to gain a foothold anywhere in the country. These laboratories are being dismantled before the dangerous substances reach our communities, streets and international markets,” he added.
Babafemi disclosed that the 10 defendants standing trial include alleged drug kingpin Innocent Orji, three Mexican nationals and six other suspects.
Following the inspection, Justice Kakaki adjourned the case until July 24 for the continuation of proceedings and arguments on the admissibility of the remaining exhibits.
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