Clearing agent arraigned in Lagos court over drug trafficking

A clearing agent, Agoro Moninuola, has been arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before a Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged attempted exportation of 2.80 kilograms of cocaine to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja.

.....

The defendant appeared before Justice Daniel Osiagor on Tuesday on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful procurement, and attempted exportation of narcotic drugs. According to NDLEA prosecutor Arit Okon, Moninuola allegedly conspired with two other suspects identified as Azeez Nurudeen and Nuru, who are currently at large, to traffic the illicit substance abroad in April 2026.

The prosecution told the court that the alleged offence took place through the SAHCO Export Shed within the customs area of the airport and that the cocaine was intercepted during cargo examination before it could be exported to the United Kingdom.

The NDLEA also alleged that the defendant procured the services of officials linked to Amirotex Global Nigeria Limited and STG World Cargo Logistics to facilitate the shipment. According to the agency, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the NDLEA Act.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following the plea, the prosecution requested that he be remanded pending trial, while defence counsel Benson Ndakara informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Osiagor granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned until October 28, 2026, for commencement of trial.