Judge inspects meth lab as NDLEA prosecutes 10 drug suspects in Ogun

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday conducted an inspection of an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Iloti community, Ogun State, as part of the ongoing trial of 10 suspects accused of operating an illicit drug production facility.

Justice Musa Kakaki visited the site alongside lawyers, witnesses and the defendants, who were brought from the Lagos Correctional Centre. The accused include three Mexican nationals—Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus López Valles—and seven Nigerians facing multiple drug-related charges filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

At the scene, the prosecution called its first witness, Ajilema Anebi, an NDLEA expert on clandestine laboratories, who identified various chemicals, machines and equipment allegedly used in the production and storage of methamphetamine.

Anebi told the court that substances recovered from the facility were analysed by his team and found to be materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine allegedly intended for export.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Benson Ndakara requested that the witness physically identify the items at the laboratory and explain their relevance instead of relying on documents already tendered before the court.

Although the prosecution objected, arguing that the exhibits had already been identified in evidence, Justice Kakaki allowed the request.

The witness subsequently led the judge and parties around the premises, pointing out the equipment and chemicals allegedly used in the drug production process while explaining their functions.

Following the inspection, the court adjourned further hearing until Friday.

Speaking after the visit, NDLEA prosecution team leader Adekunle Adebajo said the inspection enabled the court to examine the alleged crime scene and better understand the evidence presented by the agency.

He added that while some exhibits had already been admitted, the prosecution would seek to tender the remaining items when the case resumes.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi described the inspection as a major step in the agency’s efforts to dismantle illicit drug production networks.

He warned that international drug cartels were increasingly moving their operations into forested areas in southwestern Nigeria to evade detection, posing fresh security and public health challenges.

Babafemi said the agency remained committed to preventing Nigeria from becoming a manufacturing hub for illicit drugs.

The 10 defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, operating and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, producing and possessing methamphetamine, and using property for the manufacture of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA alleged that the suspects established and operated the laboratory in Mowe Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where they produced about 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine valued at over ₦480 billion.

All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial continues on Friday.