Posted by By ADESINA AIYEKOTI on
Popular actress, Akinwande Taiwo Hassanat alias Wunmi, wept profusely in the dock on Tuesday, as she was arraigned before a Federal High Court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a drug related charge.
Popular actress, Akinwande Taiwo Hassanat alias Wunmi, wept profusely in the dock on Tuesday, as she was arraigned before a Federal High Court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a drug related charge.
The accused, who was brought to court at about 10.15a.m. from the NDLEA cell at Ikoyi, Lagos, was shocked on seeing photo-journalists who rushed to take her photograph.
Wunmi, however, burst into tears, weeping like a child, as the charge was read to her by the court registrar.
Wiping her face with her scarf, the accused, being defended by a Lagos lawyer, Mr Benson Ndakara, denied the charge in Yoruba language, saying 'Mi o jebi sir" (I am not guilty, sir).
Following the emotion exhibited by the accused, the trial judge advised her to take it calmly.
Wunmi, is being charged with one-count charge of alleged possession of 1.214 kilogrammes of cocaine by Mr Femi Oloruntoba, director, prosecution and legal services, NDLEA, on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation.
She was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for allegedly being in possession of cocaine on September 23, 2006 during the outward clearance of Virgin Atlantic flight VS 652 to London.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, after it was interpreted to her in Yoruba language.
Following the submissions made by the NDLEA director, prosecution and legal services, announcing the readiness of the prosecution to begin the case, the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, fixed Wednesday for the trial.
The offence is contrary to Section 1011 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Amendment Act No. 15 of 1992.