Alleged heroine importation: Suspect remanded

FRANCIS IWUCHUKWU

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke has ordered the remand of a Pakistan citizen, Iftikhar Mohammed in prison custody till September 26, 2014 when his trial will commenced.

Arslan was docked before the judge for allegedly importing 25.4 kg of heroine into the country from Doha, the capital of Qatar, on April 5,2014. In addressing the court, the prosecutor, Mr. Vembe Emmanuel told the court that the accused was arrested with the prohibited drug, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, on April 5, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airway flight from Doha.

Emmanuel insisted that the offence allegedly committed by the accused is contrary to and punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act,  Cap. N 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The charge reads: "That you Iftikhar Mohammad Arslan, male, adult, a Pakistani, on or about April 5, 2014, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Doha, at the E-Arrival hall of Murals Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court without lawful authority, imported 25.4 kilogrammes of heroine, a narcotic drug, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004."

However, the accused pleaded not guilty leading to the prosecutor applying for the remand of the accused in prison's custody pending his trial.

Counsel to the accused, Chief Benson Ndakara, did not opposed remand application of the prosecuting counsel.

The matter has been adjourned till September 26, for trial.