The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended the remand of the alleged drug lord, Sulaimon Jimoh, also known as “Olowo Idi Ogede” or “Temo,” for an additional 14 days in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
EKO HOT BLOG gathered that Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the extension on Friday while approving an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA. The extension was sought after the NDLEA prosecution counsel, Lambert Nor, argued the motion for prolonging the defendant’s remand.
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Aluko granted the extension after considering the arguments and reviewing the court documents submitted.
Nor told the court, “We seek this extension under the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules. The extension is crucial as we continue to unravel the suspect’s extensive drug network.”
He elaborated that the NDLEA was awaiting responses from various agencies and institutions connected to the case. “Preliminary investigations have revealed a broader and more sensitive network of drug activities, both nationally and internationally, which require further examination,” Nor stated.
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The NDLEA lawyer emphasized the need to continue holding Temo in custody to avoid any violations of his rights or court orders. “We need this additional time to ensure that we have a complete picture of the drug trafficking organisation that the suspect allegedly operates, so the court can be fully informed,” he added.
In support of the motion, the NDLEA submitted a 13-paragraph affidavit, deposed by Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency. The affidavit highlighted that the initial 14-day remand, ordered by the court on July 26, 2024, was disrupted by nationwide protests and the unavailability of the suspect’s counsel, causing delays in the investigation.
“That in the course of the same time, counsel for the suspect was not available for some time to enable the suspect to complete his statement. And that, by the time the counsel for the suspect came, quite a substantial time of the 14 days granted by the court had been lost. The ongoing investigation has uncovered a more complex and sensitive network of drug activities, with inquiries sent to sister agencies and other relevant bodies still pending. This makes it necessary to seek additional time,” the affidavit stated.
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Aluko ruled in favor of the NDLEA’s request. “The application has merit, and the order sought is hereby granted,” the judge held. The court adjourned the matter to August 23, 2024, for the NDLEA to present its investigation report.
Temo, who had been a wanted drug baron for over a decade, was initially remanded on July 26, 2024, with the case adjourned to August 9, 2024, pending the investigation’s outcome. However, when the case was heard on Friday, it was further adjourned for an additional 14 days.
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