The continued trial of the alleged drug dealer, Alhaji Jimoh Sulaimon Olowoidigede, popularly called Temo, was stalled on Monday, November 11, 2024, due to his ill-health.
The alleged drug baron, who is also known as godfather and 001, is being tried before the court presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on a six-count of conspiracy, trafficking 704 Kilogrames of cannabis sativa (Ghana Loud), running of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), and money laundering.
The offences which contravened sections 20(1)(g); 14(b); 18(a); 20(i); 11(b) and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The offences he had denied and pleaded not guilty to.
Despite his not guilty plea, the court has ordered accelerated hearing of the charges against him, while refused his bail application
So far, the prosecution has called 11 witnesses in the matter.
He was first arraigned before the court September 25, 2024, on the alleged offences.
At the continued trial of the matter today, the prosecution was represented by the dou of Mrs. Theresa Asuquo and Lambert Nor, while Chief Benson Ndakara led the dou of Kate Igbo and Evans Ajoku, appeared for the alleged drug baron.
The led prosecutor, Mrs. Asuquo, in her submission told the court that when her co-prosecutor, Mr. Lambert went to found out about the defendant, they were told he was produced, only to be told another different thing in court.
Following Asuquo’s submissions, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), Mr. Martin Odu, informed the court that the defendant was sick and he is on admission in the facility’s clinic, hence he was not brought to court.
Upon the explanation NCoS’ official, on the State of health of the defendant, and after the presiding judge gave her a copy of the defendant’s medical report to the prosecutor, she urged the court to adjourn the trial till tomorrow, as the court had earlier fixed three days for the trial of the defendant.
Meanwhile, defendant’s counsel, Chief Ndakara, told the court that the new medical report was a follow up to the one sent earlier. He added that from what he saw in the report, even the Correctional center do not have the facility to treat his client.
He also informed the court that another bail application has been filed and same has been served on the prosecution, but there was no counter yet.
The prosecutor, told the court that they are yet to be served, they are vehemently opposing the application.
Based on the parties submissions, the court adjourned the matter till Tuesday, November 12, 2024, for continuation of defendant’s trial.
