The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday granted N100m bail to an alleged drug baron, Sulaimon Jimoh Olowoidiogede, for allegedly importing 704 kilogrammes of drug known as “Ghana Loud” from Ghana to Nigeria.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu granted the bail with three sureties in like sum.
The court said two of the sureties must be serving directors in the Federal Government or Lagos State Government, while the third must be a blood relative with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, the relative must swear an affidavit of means and submit six passport photographs to the court.
Justice Dipeolu further ordered the defendant to submit his travel documents to the court.
The judge directed that the prosecution and the court registrar must verify all documents provided to meet the bail conditions.
Justice Dipeolu ordered the defence counsel to submit a written letter of recommendation for the sureties.
Olowoidiogede is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly financing and operating a drug trafficking organisation.
The defendant was accused of importing cannabis sativa from Ghana and distributing it in Nigeria.
Justice Dipeolu had initially rejected the defendant’s bail application, ordering an accelerated trial.
However, the defence later filed a fresh application supported by medical reports indicating that Olowoidiogede is suffering from a severe cardiac condition requiring specialist care unavailable in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
The court admitted him to bail based on these health considerations.
Olowoidiogede was alleged to have between 2020 and 2024 conspired with others, who are at large, to establish and manage a drug trafficking organisation.
The prosecution said the organisation was involved in importing, processing, and distributing cannabis sativa, a drug similar to cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
The NDLEA also accused the defendant of laundering proceeds from illicit drug trafficking, concealing the true source of the funds, and converting them into legitimate enterprises.
Additionally, it alleged that Olowoidiogede procured individuals, including one Wasiu Olayinka Saliu, who is now at large, to traffic cannabis sativa.
The charges detailed the trafficking of 704 kilogrammes of the drug, known as “Ghana Loud,” from Ghana to Nigeria.
The trial has been adjourned to January 15, 17, and 20, 2025 for further hearing.
