Posted by By ADESINA AIYEKOTI on
Former Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bello Lafiaji, was on Monday docked before a Lagos High Court, on criminal charges bordering on corruption, while in office.
Former Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bello Lafiaji, was on Monday docked before a Lagos High Court, on criminal charges bordering on corruption, while in office.
The absence of the co-accused, Usman Amoli, described as Lafiaji's special assistant, however, stalled the move by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) prosecution to read the charges to the accused persons.
Following the plea made by a lead defence counsel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) that the matter be adjourned due to the absence of the second accused, who is said to be ill, the trial judge, Justice Olusola Williams, fixed July 7 for re-mentioning of the case.
The counsel had told the court that it would be improper to read the charges only to the former NDLEA boss, since they were jointly being charged.
From the records filed before the court, Lafiaji and Amoli, had, on November 2005, in Lagos, 'conspired within themselves to unlawfully receive from Ikenna Onochie, a suspect with the NDLEA, the sum of 168,300 Euros, being exhibit seized from Onochie, in order to release him and his vehicles from the NDLEA custody.