Three Mexicans, others denied bail over alleged N480bn meth lab

Federal High Court in Lagos denied bail to three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians accused of running a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State, citing a risk of them fleeing and evading trial. The judge, Akintayo Aluko, found the defendants had not presented sufficient evidence to warrant their release, stating that while bail is discretionary, it must be exercised judiciously.

The defendants, including Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, and Jesus Lopez Valles, are charged with conspiracy, production, and trafficking of methamphetamine, as well as acquiring and transporting precursor chemicals. The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that the defendants established a laboratory in a forest in Ogun State, where over 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine were allegedly produced, valued at over N480 billion internationally.

Aluko noted that bail could be refused if there were reasonable grounds to believe an accused person might abscond, commit another offence, interfere with the investigation or trial, destroy evidence, or undermine the administration of justice. He also rejected the defendants' reliance on alleged medical conditions, as no medical reports were provided to substantiate their claims.

The judge emphasized that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure the accused remains available to face trial, and that the defendants' failure to deny material allegations effectively amounted to an admission. Aluko dismissed the bail applications and ordered the defendants to remain in custody pending the continuation of their trial.