Alleged Drug Trafficker, Makata Emmanuel, To Continue Trial July 25 Over Importation Of Codeine Syrup
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the trial of Nigerian businessman, Makata Emmanuel, to July 25, 2025, over alleged drug-related offences involving the importation of 27.567 kilogrammes of codeine-based cough syrup into Nigeria.
Makata is standing trial for allegedly conspiring with one Mr. Simon, who is currently at large, to illegally import the banned substance into the country through the Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos.
The prosecution, led by Barrister Adekunle Adebajo from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has so far called four out of seven intended witnesses in the case.
The two-count charge, numbered FHC/L/06C/2025, reads as follows:
Count 1:
That you, Makata Emmanuel, Male, Adult, and Mr. Simon (at large), on or about the 11th day of December 2024, at the Customs Enforcement Unit, Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, conspired together to import 27.567 kilogrammes of codeine-based cough syrup, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and heroin, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Count 2:
That you, Makata Emmanuel, Male, Adult, and Mr. Simon (at large), on or about the same date and place, without lawful authority, imported 27.567 kilogrammes of codeine-based cough syrup, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and heroin, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The case resumes on July 25 for the continuation of trial.
