In a court session on Wednesday, Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun ruled that five men, who were brought before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court on charges of possessing Indian hemp and fake foreign currencies, should remain in police custody until a legal recommendation is received from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
The defendants—Francis Omwukei, 26; Kingsley Ude, 33; Umar Idris, 37; Eyo, 27; and Bright Ahamefula, 26—were presented with a two-count charge related to the possession of Indian hemp and counterfeit foreign currencies, including pound Sterling and US dollars.
Rita Momoh, leading the prosecution, informed the court that on August 9, 2023, the accused were apprehended in Lagos State’s White Sand, Ijora.
Momoh explained that the defendants were caught publicly displaying substances suspected to be Indian hemp, an act that could potentially disturb peace and order.
She further emphasized that their actions contravene Sections 329 and 442 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, Nigeria, and thus are subject to punishment.
The charge read in part, “That you, Francis Omwukei, Kingsley Ude, Umar Idris, Eyo, and Bright Ahamefula, on August 9, 2023, at White Sand, Ijora, in Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, unlawfully had in your possession leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and two bags containing fake US Dollar currency, and pounds sterling currency, and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 329 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
The accused individuals, nevertheless, entered pleas of not guilty to the accusations. The magistrate directed that due to the lack of a remand warrant, the defendants should remain in police custody for a period of seven days. During this time, the police are tasked with preparing the necessary documentation and forwarding the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal guidance.
Magistrate Olatunbosun scheduled the next hearing for August 23, 2023, awaiting advice from the DPP.
