Meth Lab Case: Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has refused bail to three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians facing criminal charges over an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.
The defendants include Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus Lopez Valles, alongside seven Nigerian defendants.
They are facing an 11-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency alleging conspiracy, production and trafficking of methamphetamine as well as offences involving precursor chemicals.
The NDLEA alleges that the defendants established a laboratory in a forest at Iloti Village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where approximately 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, said to have an international value exceeding ₦480 billion, was produced.
Meth Lab Case: Ruling on the bail applications, Justice Aluko held that the defendants had not placed sufficient material before the court to justify their release.
The judge noted that bail remains a discretionary judicial decision and that the court may consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an accused person could abscond, interfere with evidence or witnesses, commit further offences or otherwise undermine the administration of justice.
The ruling concerns bail only and does not determine the defendants’ guilt. They remain presumed innocent until the prosecution proves its allegations in accordance with law.
Source: PUNCH Newspapers
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