The Federal High Court in Lagos has authorized the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to dismantle a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory discovered in Ogun State, but ruled that certain contentious chemicals must be preserved pending trial.
Justice Musa Kakaki granted the NDLEA’s request to destroy hazardous substances valued at about ₦480 billion, recovered from three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians at the facility in Iloti Village, Abidagba forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area.
However, the judge excluded chemicals disputed by the defence, citing the need to safeguard potential evidence.
The ruling followed a site inspection by the court and parties, where officials described the environment as highly toxic, requiring protective gear.
NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi argued that dismantling the lab was essential for public health and safety, while defence counsel Benson Ndakara warned that premature destruction could deny the defendants the chance to conduct independent forensic examinations.
Justice Kakaki’s decision allows the NDLEA to proceed
