The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday, commenced the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari’s case regarding the allegation of trafficking hard drugs.
The agency invited a Commander of Narcotics (Forensic Unit), Patricia Afolabi, to testify as its first witness.
The witness revealed to the court that part of her job specification involves receiving and conducting forensic analysis on drug exhibits.
She stated that she had on February 7, 2022, received from the forensic liaison officer of the agency, Abubakar Aliyu, one sealed transparent evidence pack containing 24 dispensing packs each.
In her words:
“From the analysis I conducted, which I labelled exhibit A-X, I found out that 21 of the exhibits contained cocaine, while exhibit H to G were found to be negative.
“I then issued an analysis report of my findings, which I signed and sealed. I repacked them as exhibits in a large envelope and addressed them to O.C. NDLEA Abuja.”
The court admitted all the exhibits in evidence without objection from the Defendants.
While cross-examining the witness, the lawyer of the accused, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), asked her if it was true that every suspect in a drug deal must be present before analysis is conducted, a question the witness answered in the negative.
The witness replied that it was not customary that all suspects would be present when substances are also handed over for analysis.
Afolabi who said she had over 30 years of experience, explained, “I was not present when the drug was recovered. I was not present when NDLEA received it.”
She confirmed that NDLEA operatives are stationed at all entry points in Nigeria, including at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
The court adjourned the case till Today, Tuesday to enable the counsel to the other defendants cross-examine the witness.
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