Lukman Olabiyi
Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos has convicted a medical doctor, Dr. Dennis Konyeaso for drug trafficking
The court however , discharged and acquitted his wife, Chidi, who was charged with him for the alleged crime by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The couple were charged before the court by the NDLEA on a four count-charge of conspiracy aiding and abating, unlawful dealing and storing of 3.3 kilograms of cocaine.
They have being standing trial before the court since 2012, on the said offences.
The prosecutor, Mrs. Obiageri Iwuchukwu Ahaji, of the NDLEA’s had told the court that the offences which the couple are charged with are contrary to and punishable under sections 14(b), 19 and 12 of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
READ ALSO: PDP convention: Fayose, others threaten to dump PDP
At the last hearing of the matter, the convict’s wife, a mother of three, told the court how her husband abandoned her and the kids for several years, after he learnt that the NDLEA invaded their house in search of the banned substance.
The businesswoman in her evidence before the court stated that she never knew that her husband was into drug trafficking, not until when NDLEA operatives came and search their residence and found parcels of substance which was later confirmed to be cocaine, belonging to him.
The businesswoman, while being led in-evidence by the prosecutor, Mrs. Iwuchukwu Ahaji, also informed the court that since her husband became aware of the operatives discovery, he abandoned her and the three kids and that they only survived at the mercy of her family and their pastor.
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, which was slated for judgment, the convict, who is on bail, was nowhere to be found, it was only his wife that appeared in court.
Despite the absence of the medical doctor, Justice Idris, convicted him, while his wife was acquitted of all the counts charge.
READ ALSO: Again, Lagos State House of Assembly postpones resumption by 7 days
Justice Idris, whoever adjourned the sentence of the convict till when he would be apprehended by the security agency.
The NDLEA in a charge marked FHC/L/2c/2012, alleged that the couple had sometimes in July, 2007, conspired with and aided on Victor Keyamo, an ex-comvict, to export 3.3 kilograms of cocaine.
They were also alleged to have on July 9, 2007, at their residence, Plot 729 Atere, Omole Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, without lawful authority, possessed and stored 33 grams of cocaine.