A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, 15th November, granted a N10 million bail to a 43-year-old businessman, Afamefuna Udensi, allegedly charged with the importation of fake tramadol.
The defendant, who is being prosecuted by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), was arraigned on Nov. 10 before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a three-count charge of importation and sale of fake and unregistered drugs. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the plea of the defendant, his counsel, Emeka Okpoko (SAN), had informed the court that his client was granted administrative bail by NAFDAC, and urged to appear for his arraignment. He also told the court that he had yet to file a motion for bail for the defendant, and so, would do the needful in no time.
The court had consequently adjourned the case till November 15, for hearing of the bail application.
On Monday, after the defense counsel moved the bail application on behalf of the defendant, the Prosecutor, Barthlomew Simon, raised an objection, saying that the defendant might abscond. In his response, the defense counsel reminded the court that the defendant had been granted administrative bail by NAFDAC, adding that he (defendant) had accordingly appeared in court for his arraignment. He urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.
In his ruling, the judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million which, he said, must be deposited in the name of the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. He asked the defendant to produce a surety on grade level 12 in the civil service.
The Judge thereafter adjourned the case till February 11, 2022, for trial.
