The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has opposed bail for 10 defendants standing trial over an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.
The defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged operation involving the production of 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine.
The NDLEA described the defendants as flight risks and urged the court to reject their applications for bail.
Defendants seek freedom
The 10 defendants, comprising seven Nigerians and three Mexican nationals, have been in custody since their arraignment on July 10.
Their lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, argued that they were presumed innocent until proven guilty and were ready to provide reliable sureties if granted bail.
The defence also raised concerns about the health of some of the defendants, saying they required special medical attention.
NDLEA cites alleged international network
The anti-drug agency opposed the application, arguing that releasing the defendants could allow them to evade trial.
The prosecution said three of the defendants are Mexican nationals, while the first defendant, whom it described as the alleged financier and organiser, has dual Nigerian and Mexican citizenship.
The NDLEA also alleged that the laboratory at Iloti Village in Ogun State was established and equipped for the illicit production of methamphetamine.
According to the prosecution, equipment, chemicals and other materials allegedly linked to the production of the drug were recovered from the facility.
Court fixes September 2 for ruling
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Akintayo Aluko adjourned the matter until September 2, 2026, for ruling on the bail applications.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court’s decision on September 2 will determine whether the 10 defendants remain in custody or are released under conditions pending the continuation of their trial.