The Federal High Court in Lagos has refused bail to 10 defendants facing trial over their alleged involvement in the operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.
The defendants comprise three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of involvement in the production and trafficking of methamphetamine.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, ruling on their separate bail applications, held that the defendants had failed to place sufficient material before the court to justify the exercise of its discretion in their favour.
According to TheNigeriaLawyer, the court emphasised that although the grant of bail is discretionary, such discretion must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The judge noted that factors relevant to bail include whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a defendant may abscond, interfere with the trial or investigation, destroy evidence, commit another offence or otherwise undermine the administration of justice.
Justice Aluko also rejected arguments based on alleged medical conditions, noting that no sufficient medical reports had been placed before the court to establish the claims or demonstrate that the correctional facility could not provide appropriate medical attention.
The court consequently dismissed the bail applications and ordered that the defendants remain in custody while their accelerated trial continues.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had arraigned the defendants on July 10, 2026, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, establishment of an illegal drug laboratory, production of methamphetamine and related drug-trafficking offences.
The defendants include Anochili Innocent, Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, Jesus López Valles, Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike and Nwobum Emeka.
The NDLEA alleged that the group operated a clandestine laboratory in Ogun State where 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth more than ₦480 billion on the international market, were produced.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states between May 16 and May 18, 2026.
All the allegations remain subject to determination by the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.
READ MORE: NDLEA Arraigns 10 Over Alleged ₦480bn Meth Lab
