PRESS RELEASE
 |
| NDLEA BOSS, GIADE |
Justice Balikisu Bello
Aliyu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) on Thursday November 6, 2014 sentenced a dismissed NDLEA Staff, Ibrahim
Muazzam to seven years imprisonment for aiding a suspected drug trafficker, Eni
Eze Itu now at large to export 3.7kg of heroin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport (NAIA) Abuja. He was charged to court after his dismissal
in 2009.
Justice Balikusu in her judgment
said that it is sad that an officer who is paid by the government to arrest
drug traffickers is now aiding drug traffickers to perpetrate their criminal
act. Ibrahim who pleaded not guilty to a two count charge of aiding and
conspiracy to export 3.7kg of heroin in November 2009 was exonerated on the
charge of conspiracy.
The Judge however added
that although the NDLEA was unable to prove the case of conspiracy against the
accused, she was convinced that there are enough evidence before the court to
convict him on the ground of aiding and abetting. The accused was therefore
sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
According to the NDLEA, Ibrahim
Muazzam was an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics on grade level 8 prior to
his dismissal and trial. He reportedly went to the Abuja airport where he last
served when he was off duty to assist one Eni Eze Itu who is currently at large
to check-in a luggage. In the process of examination, NDLEA officers on duty
discovered 3.7kg of heroin inside the luggage. He was immediately arrested. The
said Eni Eze Itu who was to travel with the bag found to contain the drug did
not show up and has since been on the wanted list of the Agency.
The Chairman/Chief
Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade described
the action of Ibrahim as unprofessional and shameful. “The conduct of Ibrahim
Muazzam is unprofessional and must not be condoned. As soon as the case was
reported, it was referred to the senior disciplinary committee of the NDLEA who
found him guilty and recommended him for dismissal. The decision to prosecute
him was in line with the NDLEA rules of engagement” Giade stated.
The NDLEA boss added that
the fight against corruption will only be complete when addressed from both
within and outside the NDLEA.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs NDLEA
08034088136
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