Federal High Court sitting in Lagos today convicted a businessman Nwajagu Chidiebere James for importing 3.240 kilogrammes of Cocaine into the country.

However, the trial judge could not sentence the convict as he ran away sometimes in 2018 and had since refused to submit himself for trial till date

The convict, Nwajagu Chidiebere James according to a one count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, ( NDLEA),  on or about the 13th day of October, 2015 at the inward clearance of Emirate Airline from Dubai at the ‘E’ Arrival Hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Court without lawful authority imported 3.240 Kilogrammes of Cocaine.

The offence  according to the anti-narcotic agency  is  contrary to and punishable under Section 11(3) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of 2004.

Delivering judgement in the matter today, the Trial Judge Justice Abdulaziz Anka while reviewing the case said the prosecution, Mr Augustine Nwagwu in proving the prosecution case tendered all the exhibits recovered from the convict, certificate of test analysis as well as the confessional statement of the convict.

Justice Anka added that the prosecution called six witnesses, four of which were not cross – examined by the defence counsel  Mrs  Lylian Omotunde .

The judge added that the convict mid-way into his trial in 2018 jump bail and never came back  for his trial despite the issuance of warrant of arrest issued against him.

Justice Anka said that in view of the evidence placed before him by the prosecution  which were not controverted by the defence despite having several opportunities to do so and the evidence of the witnesses called, he is of the view that the prosecution has proved his case beyond reasonable doubt.

“I hereby convict the accused as charged , however I could not go further to sentence the convict  as he is on the run.”