By Lukman Olabiyi
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos has freed a clearing agent, Mr. Chukwuemeka Kingsley Madueke, of any drug related offences filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Justice Bogoro cleared Madueke of the drugs allegation, after the NDLEA’s prosecuting counsel brought before the court an application seeking to withdraw the charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 74.119 Kilograms of captagon tablets (Amphetamine), a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and heroin, against him.
The judge, after hearing the prosecutor, Mr. Fingere Owen Dinneys, on the withdrawal of the charge against the clearing agent, held that “after hearing F. O. Dinneys, who is counsel for the prosecuting agency (NDLEA), informed the court of notice to withdraw the charge against the second defendant (Chukwuemeka Kingsley Madueke) on the ground that a prime suspect has been apprehended, and he wished to withdraw the charge against the second defendant.
“The application to withdraw the charge dated January 12, 2022, against the second defendant is granted. The second defendant is accordingly discharged.”
Justice Bogoro also ordered that all items seized from the second defendant, in the course of investigation, including Lexus RX 330, be returned to him.
The clearing agent, who is the Managing Director of CFK Global Investment, was brought before the court by the NDLEA, with one Romanus Abuchi Onah, on the allegations, which are contrary to Section 14(b) and 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation, 2004, and punishable under the same Act.
On October 26, 2021, during their arraignment, Chukwuemeka denied the allegations and constantly maintained his innocence.