2 get N25m bail over alleged illicit production of drug

By Ifeanyi Okolie
LAGOS — A  Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State has granted bail  to Bernard Umezurike and Francis Nwafor in the sum of N25 million each.

They were charged to court  by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for illicit production of methamphetamine in the country.

The suspects, who were charged on a five-count charge,  pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bernard Umezurike was charged for unlawful possession, conspiracy to manage premises for methamphetamine production, while Francis Nwafor was charged for conspiracy and aiding Bernard in the alleged crime.

Trial judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, ruling on their bail application, explained that the major consideration in grating bail was the availability of accused persons for trial.

The court added that the sureties are to own developed landed property in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Magodo, Surulere and Ikeja. Original documents of the property  are to be submitted to the deputy Chief registrar of the court.

“Sureties are to submit two passport photographs and tax clearance certificate and the prosecutors must verify the authenticity of documents submitted by sureties within 24 hours of submission,” the court said.

Justice Okeke also ordered that the accused must report at the Joint Task Force office of the NDLEA every Monday and in the event of a Monday being a public holiday, they should report the following day.

Meanwhile the Assistant Director Prosecution of the NDLEA, Mr. John Gima,  who led the prosecuting team had opposed the bail applications made by the counsel of the accused persons.