A Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the judgment in the drug trafficking case against socialite Mrs Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, after informing parties that the ruling was not ready.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, presiding over the case, had previously scheduled February 13 for judgment following the adoption of final written addresses by both parties. However, the court notified the parties via WhatsApp that a new date would be communicated later.
Mrs Ogbuaya, also known as Funmilola Ogundipe, faces charges from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on four counts: conspiracy, illegal possession, aiding and abetting, and attempting to smuggle 1.595 kg of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
She was re-arraigned on April 24, 2024, alongside Odeyemi Omolola, her alleged accomplice, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for drug trafficking.
Background of the Case
Both women were initially arraigned in 2017 before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari (now an Appeal Court judge) on five counts including conspiracy, aiding and abetting, unlawful possession, and attempting to export the prohibited substance.
Omolola, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, pleaded guilty and is now serving 25 years. Ariket initially pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, but later changed her plea to guilty for attempting to export the drug illegally, receiving a 25-year sentence.
Her appeal against the conviction was dismissed on February 26, 2021, with the appellate court upholding Justice Shagari’s judgment.
Current Proceedings
After the prosecution concluded its case earlier this year, Ariket’s legal team filed a no-case submission, which the court rejected, ruling that a prima facie case had been established.
Justice Dipeolu determined that sufficient evidence had been presented, requiring the defendant to mount a defence. Ariket and her daughter, Oluwadunmininu Ogbuaya, testified as defence witnesses before both sides submitted their written arguments.
The charges state that on February 23, 2017, the defendants conspired to export 1.595 kg of cocaine, violating Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act. Additional counts allege that Ariket aided, abetted, and procured Omolola to export the narcotics on February 24, 2017, while Omolola is charged with unlawful possession of the substance.
All parties now await notification of the new judgment date.
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