Three Mexicans, Others Denied Bail Over Alleged N480bn Meth Lab

The Federal High Court in Lagos has denied bail to three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians facing trial over an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.

Justice Akintayo Aluko refused the applications on Wednesday, citing concerns that some defendants could abscond and evade trial.

The defendants include three Mexican nationals and drug kingpin Anochili Innocent.

They face an 11-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, production and trafficking of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of precursor chemicals and operation of a drug trafficking organisation.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants established a clandestine laboratory in Iloti Village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It alleged that 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, valued at more than N480 billion on the international illicit drug market, were produced there.

All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty and remain presumed innocent until the court determines their case.

Justice Aluko held that bail is discretionary but must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

He said bail could be refused where there were reasonable grounds to believe that an accused person might abscond, commit another offence, interfere with a trial, destroy evidence or undermine justice.

The judge said the prosecution had raised allegations concerning flight risk and noted that some were not effectively controverted by the defence.

He also rejected arguments based on alleged medical conditions, noting that sufficient medical reports had not been provided.

The defence urged the court to release the defendants, arguing that the offences were bailable and that they were entitled to the presumption of innocence.

The prosecution opposed the applications, describing the defendants as flight risks.

The court was informed that the substantive trial had commenced before another judge and had been ordered to proceed on an accelerated basis.

The prosecution has called its first witness.

Justice Aluko dismissed the bail applications and ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending continuation of the trial.

The case followed coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states in May 2026, during which investigators uncovered the alleged laboratory and arrested the suspects.

Authorities alleged that equipment and chemicals linked to methamphetamine production were recovered during the operation.