The judge remanded them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services after they all pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge of conspiracy, and unlawful importation of the illicit substance.
They were also accused in the charge of engaging in the organization, management and financing of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) and unlawful possession of the same drug.
The prosecutor, Umar Hussain told the court that the defendants were arrested with the drugs between July and September 18 and 19, 2022 at Number 6, Olukonla Crescent, Solebo Estate, ikorodu, Lagos.
Hussain also claimed that the offences are contrary to Sections 14 (b): 20 (1)(g); 11 and 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (As amended) and punishable under sections 20 (2)(b) of the same Act.
Following their plea, the prosecutor urged the court to fix a trial date and to remand the defendants in the prison till the determination of the charge against them.
But the defence counsel, Chief Benson Ndakara and Mrs Liliana Omotunde asked the court to grant their clients bail in the most liberal terms.
Chief Ndakara particularly told his court that two of his clients, Soji Jubril Oke and Wasiu Akinade are having serious health issues.
After listening to the lawyers, Justice Lifu ordered their remand and that the head of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre should inform the court of the health of the sick defendants within two weeks.
