BREAKING: U.K. Returnee Detained for Allegedly Smuggling ‘Loud’ into Nigeria

UK Returnee Remanded Over Alleged Importation of 700g of Cannabis Sativa to Nigeria: A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of a United Kingdom returnee, Olu Marshall, in a correctional facility for allegedly importing 700 grams of a high-grade cannabis strain, commonly referred to as “Canada Loud.” The defendant pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of the banned substance....CONTINUE READING>>>

Presiding over the case, Justice Ayounle Faji directed the remand following Marshall’s plea. The prosecution, led by Barrister Abu Ibrahim, revealed that the accused was apprehended on November 5, 2024, at the Skyway Handling Company (SHCO) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He allegedly conspired with another individual, identified as “Poter,” who remains at large.

The charges stem from violations under sections 14(b) and 20(1)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, which carry severe penalties. Marshall’s lawyer, Barrister Jude Ehiedu, informed the court of a pending bail application, which the prosecution stated it intended to oppose. The case was adjourned to March 12 and 13, 2025, for trial, with instructions for parties to seek bail determination from a vacation judge.

Separate Conviction of Drug Trafficker

In a related development, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the same court sentenced Lateef Sunday Oladipupo to three years imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million after he pleaded guilty to trafficking 517 kilograms of cannabis. The convict was apprehended on October 5, 2024, at a Customs checkpoint on the Badagry Expressway while transporting the substance in a yellow Mazda bus with Ogun State registration.

The prosecutor, Mariam I. Erondu, charged Oladipupo under Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, and the court convicted him based on his plea and submitted evidence. In sentencing, the judge considered the convict’s remorse and timely guilty plea, offering the fine as an alternative to imprisonment.

Both cases highlight ongoing enforcement of drug laws under the NDLEA Act and the judiciary’s role in addressing narcotics-related offenses.