Court Dismisses Pharmacist’s No Case Submission On Drug Trafficking Charges
Justice Deinde Dipeolu of a Federal High Court, Lagos, has been dismissed a No Case Submission filed by a pharmacist, Ikwebe Ori Helen, against charges of unlawful transportation and possession of prohibited drug, made against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Justice Dipeolu dismissed pharmacist’s no case submission against the charges today, while delivering ruling on arguments and issues raised by her lawyer and the NDLEA lawyer, Mr. Abu Ibrahim.
The pharmacist was arraigned before the court on March 12, 2024 on the charges marked FHC/L/373c/2023.
The charges against her read: “That you Ikwebe Ori Helen, Female, Adult on or about the 1st June, 2023 procured one Agadi Sunday, to transport 51.10 kilograms of Pentazocine Injection 30mg, a Narcotic Analgesic, similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin from Malven Medics International Ltd, a Pharmaceutical Company in Lagos to Murtala Muhammed Domestic Airport, Ikeja-Lagos enroute Kaduna State, and you thereby committed an act contrary to section 21 (2) (d) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 11(b) of the said Act.
“That you Ikwebe Ori Helen, Female, Adult on or about the 8 June, 2023 transports 51.10kilograms of Pentazocine Injection 30mg, a Narcotic Analgesic, similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin from Malven Medics International Ltd, a Pharmaceutical Company in Lagos to Kaduna, Kaduna State and you thereby committed an act contrary to section 20 (1) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 20 (2) (a) of the said Act.”
She denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. And she was subsequently admitted to bail in some terms.
During her trial, the prosecutor called four witnesses, who narrated to court how she was arrested with the prohibited injection, as well tendered exhibits which were admitted as exhibits A1 to 8.
Upon conclusion of prosecution’s case, the pharmacist elected to file a no case submission, contending that the prosecution has not be able to make any prima facie case against her. Adding that the court should discharge and acquit her.
In response, the prosecution, argued that with the evidence given by the witnesses coupled with the exhibits tendered, there is overwhelming evidence which will compel the pharmacist to open her defence against the charges.
The prosecutor therefore urged the court to dismiss the no case submission and compel her to open her defence.
Ruling on the parties’ submissions on the no case submission, Justice Dipeolu after perusing all the arguments canvassed with the plethoras of authorities cited, dismissed the pharmacist’s no case submission and ordered he r to open her defence against the charges.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to July 17, for further hearing.