The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has set aside September 1, 2026, to hand down its ruling on the bail application instituted by a 78-year-old freight agent, Akinlawon Isaac Alani, charged with alleged cocaine trafficking.
It would be recalled that the 78-year-old freight agent had been arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful exportation of 20.40 kilograms of cocaine to Malaysia, and procuring a freight agent to facilitate the illicit shipment.
Specifically, the prosecution counsel, Arit N. Okon, hinted to the judge that the defendant allegedly committed the offences between June and July 2026, in connivance with one Emeka, who is currently at large.
According to the NDLEA, Alani was apprehended on July 2, 2026, during an outward examination of cargo meant for export to Malaysia at the Customs area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The anti-narcotics agency’s lawyer equally alleged that the defendant procured one Yusuf Kabiru Olamilekan, also a freight agent, to facilitate the exportation of the 20.40 kg cocaine consignment.
The offences, according to the NDLEA, contravene Sections 14, 11(b), and 21(2)(4)(8) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution to request a trial date
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges, and urged the court to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending trial.
However, the lawyer for the defence, Augustine Nwagu, told the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution, a position the prosecution confirmed.
In moving the bail application, Nwagu prayed to the court to grant bail to his client in the most liberal terms on grounds of ill-health, noting that the 78-year-old has been in and out of the NDLEA clinic and has consistently denied ownership of the banned substance.
The lawyer further asked Justice Aluko to remand his client in NDLEA custody pending the determination of the bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter to September 1, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in NDLEA custody.