A Federal High Court judge in Lagos has rejected bail applications from 10 people accused of running a large-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State. Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that the defendants failed to provide enough grounds to justify their release while their trial continues.
The group consists of three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians. They face charges linked to the alleged production of methamphetamine at a hidden laboratory.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko said bail remains discretionary but must be exercised carefully based on the facts presented. He stressed that one main purpose of bail is to ensure defendants appear for trial. Courts may refuse it if there are reasonable grounds to fear that a defendant might abscond, commit further offences, interfere with the case, destroy evidence or undermine the justice process.
The judge noted that the prosecution’s counter-affidavit contained specific allegations that the defendants did not effectively challenge. Some of the accused admitted that chemicals were found in their possession but claimed the substances were intended for lawful uses and unrelated to drug production. Justice Aluko held that failing to properly deny key facts in a counter-affidavit can amount to an admission of those facts. These uncontroverted allegations, he said, gave the court sufficient reason to refuse bail.
The court also dismissed claims of medical conditions as a basis for release. The defendants did not attach medical reports to support their assertions, and no evidence showed that the detention facility could not provide adequate care.
Justice Aluko referred to Court of Appeal decisions warning against granting bail where there is reason to believe an accused person may evade trial. He also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bamaiyi v. State, which emphasises the need to balance the interests of the prosecution, the accused and the victim by ensuring defendants remain available for proceedings.
He observed that the court had already ordered accelerated hearing and that the trial has begun.
“The application for bail is not well made out,” the judge held. He dismissed the applications and ordered the defendants to remain in custody pending continuation of the trial.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the 10 suspects on 10 July 2026 before the Federal High Court in Lagos on an 11-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, establishing an illegal drug laboratory, production of methamphetamine and related trafficking offences.
They were arrested during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states between 16 and 18 May 2026. Those charged are Innocent; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects operated a “super clandestine laboratory” concealed in a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. Operatives raided the site on 16 May 2026 and arrested four Nigerian suspects together with the three Mexican nationals, whom the agency described as experts in methamphetamine production. Authorities allege the laboratory produced 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine with an estimated international street value exceeding ₦480 billion.
The defendants will remain in custody as their accelerated trial continues before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
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