The Federal High Court in Ibadan on Friday remanded two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians at the Agodi Correctional Centre over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking cartel and the operation of an illegal drug laboratory.
The defendants—Mexicans Jose Ochoa and Carrera Arturo, alongside Nigerians Bankole Owolabi, Ganiyu Monsiu, Yusuf Akanbi, and Maxwell Nevoh—were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, manufacturing, transportation, and possession of chemical substances.
They are accused of establishing an illicit laboratory across Lagos and Oyo States to manufacture 1.260 kilogrammes of methamphetamine. Prosecuting counsel Adekunle Adebajo stated that the offences were committed between December 2025 and June 2026, with the manufacturing allegedly occurring at Tapa Village in the Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Justice Nkeone Maha ordered the defendants’ remand following their not guilty pleas and directed the prosecution to serve proof of evidence to the defense counsel.
Counsel to Ochoa, Echeme Ekeghe, informed the court that his client requires medical attention for diabetes and noted that a formal application regarding his remand conditions would be filed. Defense counsel for the remaining defendants raised no objections to the remand request.
Justice Maha adjourned the case until November 26 through 29 for the commencement of trial.
