A Federal High Court has inspected an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State as the trial of 10 defendants accused in a ₦480 billion drug manufacturing case continued.
Justice Musa Kakaki led the inspection alongside prosecutors, defence lawyers, and officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). During the visit, the prosecution's first witness, NDLEA laboratory expert Ajilema Anebi, identified the suspected drug production facility and several chemicals and industrial machines allegedly used to manufacture methamphetamine.
According to the witness, the factory had the capacity to produce large quantities of methamphetamine intended for export. He also identified industrial reactors, distillation equipment, chemical containers, and other materials that had already been admitted as evidence.
Defence counsel Benson Ndakara challenged parts of the testimony, arguing that while the court was shown the production process and equipment, the alleged methamphetamine itself was not presented. He maintained that the defendants are charged with possessing methamphetamine, not merely operating a production process.
Lead prosecutor Adekunle Adebajo said the inspection was necessary to allow the court to examine the alleged crime scene and the evidence the prosecution plans to rely on during the trial.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi described the discovery as a major breakthrough in the agency's fight against illicit drug production. He warned that international drug cartels are attempting to establish hidden methamphetamine laboratories in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, often locating them deep inside forests to evade detection.
Babafemi said the agency remains committed to dismantling such facilities before the drugs reach local communities or international markets.
The case involves 10 defendants, including alleged drug baron Innocent Orji, three Mexican nationals, and six other suspects.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter until Friday, July 24, when the hearing will continue and the court will consider the admissibility of the remaining exhibits.
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