Nigeria: Court inspects ₦480bn meth factory site, hearing adjourned

The trial of 10 defendants accused in a ₦480 billion clandestine methamphetamine factory case took a significant turn yesterday as the Federal High Court conducted an inspection of the alleged illicit drug laboratory in Ogun State.

The inspection, led by Justice Musa Kakaki, allowed the court, prosecution, and defense teams to tour the expansive industrial facility. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleges that methamphetamine was produced here for distribution outside Nigeria. During the site visit, the prosecution resumed its examination of the first witness, NDLEA laboratory expert Mr. Ajilema Anebi.

Anebi testified that the laboratory, where defendants two through eight were apprehended, possessed the capability to produce substantial quantities of methamphetamine intended for export. He identified various chemicals and industrial equipment allegedly used in the manufacturing process, including reaction vessels, distillation equipment, and large-capacity containers. Forensic analysis of substances found in a 2,000-liter container reportedly tested positive for chemicals associated with methamphetamine production.

However, lead defense counsel Mr. Benson Ndakara raised objections at several points, urging the prosecution to clearly establish the scientific basis for its evidence. Following the inspection, lead prosecuting counsel Mr. Adekunle Adebajo stated that the visit aimed to allow the court to examine the crime scene and exhibits. He noted that while some chemicals were tendered as evidence, others would be presented when proceedings resume.

Ndakara maintained his skepticism, pointing out that while the inspection revealed the production process and equipment, the actual methamphetamine product itself was not presented. "What we have been shown here today is largely the process of producing methamphetamine. We did not see methamphetamine itself. The process of production is different from the end product. The defendants are charged with being in possession of methamphetamine, but what has been shown to us is the production pro," he told journalists.

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What we have been shown here today is largely the process of producing methamphetamine. We did not see methamphetamine itself. The process of production is different from the end product. The defendants are charged with being in possession of methamphetamine, but what has been shown to us is the production pro