Following the arrest of a woman and her daughter in Obosi of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, over alleged trafficking in cannabis and cocaine, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has charged them to court in line with the State Government’s directive to fast track trial of crime suspects.
Mrs. Afoma Okagbue and her daughter, Linda, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Awka, on a 3-count charge of drug offenses which include conspiracy and illegal dealing on narcotic drugs contrary to and punishable under the Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the Prosecuting Counsel and Head of the Legal Unit of the NDLEA, Mr. Patrick Eshua, the suspects were arrested at Umuota Village in Obosi, on Tuesday (July 1) by the operatives of the NDLEA with 11.2 kilograms of cocaine and 5.1 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as Igbo or Indian hemp.
Mr. Eshua said that the prosecution was important to the agency because of the family involvement in the trade in which one of the suspects, Linda, a student was indoctrinated into the trade by her own mother.
However, following an oral application from the defense counsel, Chinwuba Ndukaihe, the Judge granted bail to the two suspects. Seven suspects were altogether arraigned with two being granted bail.
It would be recalled that the present administration of Governor Willie Obiano has restated that the Judiciary has fundamental roles to play in the fight against crime and that includes quick dispensation of justice.
