The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to dismantle an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Ogun State, while ordering the preservation of some disputed chemicals pending the conclusion of the criminal trial.
Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the ruling after considering an application by the NDLEA seeking leave to dismantle the facility and destroy hazardous chemicals and illicit substances allegedly recovered from the laboratory at Iloti Village, Abidagba Forest, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The court, however, declined to approve the destruction of certain chemicals challenged by the defence, ruling that they should be preserved until issues surrounding their nature and evidential value are determined.
The ruling followed a recent inspection of the remote forest laboratory by the judge, prosecution and defence teams.
Arguing the application, NDLEA prosecutor and Deputy Commander, Buhari Abdullahi, told the court that dismantling the facility had become necessary to protect public health and safeguard officials who had secured the site for more than two months.
He said the laboratory contained hazardous substances and reminded the court that everyone who visited the facility had to wear protective equipment because of the dangerous environment.
Abdullahi also disclosed that he suffered an allergic reaction during the inspection and maintained that dismantling the laboratory was consistent with the NDLEA’s statutory responsibility to destroy dangerous drugs and precursor chemicals.
He urged the court to dismiss the defence’s objection, insisting there was no legal basis to delay the exercise.
Counsel to the defendants, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, arguing that destroying the substances before they were tendered in evidence would deny the defence the opportunity to conduct independent forensic examinations.
He maintained that the prosecution’s request was premature because the materials remained central evidence in the ongoing trial.
Ndakara further argued that during the inspection, some chemicals listed in the NDLEA report, including toluene and acetone, were not found at the laboratory, while methamphetamine itself was allegedly not shown to the court.
He warned that destroying the exhibits at this stage could make it impossible for the defence to verify any evidence later presented by the prosecution.
Responding, Abdullahi maintained that the disputed chemicals were present at the laboratory, explaining that some had already been used during the alleged production process while others were stored in inaccessible parts of the forest.
He assured the court that the prosecution would produce the disputed chemicals whenever required.
After hearing both parties, Justice Kakaki granted the NDLEA permission to dismantle the clandestine laboratory but restrained the agency from destroying the contentious chemicals until further orders.
The court adjourned the matter to October 26, 27 and 28 for further hearing, including a ruling on the disputed substances and continuation of the trial.
The case involves three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians accused of operating an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory with drugs and precursor chemicals valued at about ₦480 billion.
The defendants are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, Jesus López Valles, Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, Nwobum Emeka and Anochili Innocent, who prosecutors identified as the alleged drug baron.
They are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on July 11 and have remained in custody pending the determination of the case.