Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun issued a directive on Wednesday, instructing that five men who were presented in court on charges of possessing Indian hemp and counterfeit foreign currencies be held in police custody until the Directorate of Public Prosecution provides legal guidance.
The accused individuals, namely Francis Omwukei (26), Kingsley Ude (33), Umar Idris (37), Eyo (27), and Bright Ahamefula (26), were brought before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court on a dual accusation of possessing Indian hemp and counterfeit foreign currencies, specifically Pounds Sterling and US dollars.
Rita Momoh, the prosecutor, informed the court that the defendants were apprehended on August 9, 2023, in White Sand, Ijora, Lagos State.
Momoh further detailed that the suspects were caught publicly displaying substances suspected to be Indian hemp, an act that could potentially disturb the peace.
She emphasized that this conduct violated Sections 329 and 442 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria and was punishable by law.
The charge against the accused reads, “On August 9, 2023, at White Sand, Ijora, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, you, Francis Omwukei, Kingsley Ude, Umar Idris, Eyo, and Bright Ahamefula, unlawfully possessed leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and two bags containing counterfeit US Dollar and Pounds Sterling currency.
This act contravenes Section 329 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”
Despite the allegations, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate, in the absence of a remand warrant, ordered a seven-day detention for the accused in police custody, during which time the police would prepare the case file for submission to the DPP for legal advice.
Magistrate Olatunbosun scheduled the next hearing for August 23, 2023, awaiting guidance from the DPP.
