Two officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency have testified against Mr Sakiru Ashekun, a former vice chairman of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area.

He was charged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos with trafficking 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The two officials, Anebi Ajihma and Okwunjor Augustine, the agency’s forensic expert and exhibits keeper respectively, testified before Justice Ayokunle Faji.

Recall that Ashekun, popularly called ‘Owo Iya’, was arrested on May 7, 2021, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine which was hidden in footwear, to London, United Kingdom.

The former council chief was arraigned on June 30, 2021 on a charge bordering on unlawful exportation of banned drug.

According to the prosecutor, Mr Abu Ibrahim, the offence is contrary to Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Although the defendant pleaded not guilty, he was not granted bail.

Consequently, the trial judge made an order of accelerated hearing.

He said, “The defendant should be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services Ikoyi, till the determination of the charge against him.”

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the two witnesses narrated the roles they played in the arrest of the former council chief.

The exhibits keeper, Okwunjor, told the court that the seized drug was handed over to him for safe keeping; while the forensic expert, Anebi, said he carried out a scientific test on the seized drug, confirming it to be cocaine.

The two witnesses tendered documents, samples of test drugs and other exhibits which were admitted by the court.

The judge adjourned the case till September 21 and 24, 2021, for Anebi’s cross-examination.