The Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, November 6, 2026, remanded two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians at the Agodi Correctional Centre over alleged involvement in a drug trafficking cartel and the operation of an illegal methamphetamine laboratory.
The defendants, Jose Ochoa, Carrera Arturo, Bankole Owolabi, Ganiyu Monsiu, Yusuf Akanbi and Maxwell Nevoh, were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, drug manufacturing, transportation and distribution, as well as possession of chemical substances. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Adekunle Adebajo, told the court that the defendants allegedly established an illegal laboratory in Lagos and Oyo States for the production of methamphetamine. He alleged that they transported and distributed materials for manufacturing 1.260 kilogrammes of the substance and engaged in its production at Tapa Village, Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, on June 17. The alleged offences were said to have occurred between December 2025 and June 2026.
Justice Nkeone Maha ordered the defendants’ remand and directed the prosecution to serve the proof of evidence on their counsel. Counsel to the first defendant, Echeme Ekeghe, informed the court that Ochoa was diabetic and required medical attention, adding that an application would be filed concerning his place of remand. The judge adjourned the case until Jan. 26, 27, 28 and 29 for trial to commence.
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