MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM SIRAJO, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Appellant and the 2nd-5th Respondents, along with two others, were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, Coram: Emeka Nwite, J., on an 8-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful dealing in cocaine and tampering with drug exhibits, amongst others, contrary to and punishable under Sections 14(b), 11(c), 16, 11(a), and 11((d) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Law, CAP 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Appellant was also charged alone under Section 49 of the Law for attempt to obstruct the Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the exercise of their duties by offering inducement to prevent the proper testing of seized drugs. The Appellant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Appellant twice applied for his bail before trial commenced and the lower Court, in two separate rulings delivered on 28th March, 2022 and 30th August, 2022, refused and dis…