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Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, two convicted drug traffickers, have narrated before a federal high court in Abuja how officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) allegedly helped them bypass security checks at the Enugu International Airport.
The duo, who have completed their two-year jail terms, spoke in a video recording played in court on Monday during the trial of Abba Kyari, former head of the police intelligence response team (IRT), and four other officers.
The co-defendants are Sunday Ubua, a superintendent of police; Bawa James, an assistant superintendent of police; and inspectors Simon Agirgba and John Nuhu.
The video, admitted in evidence by Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, on February 27, was played at the request of Abdul Mohammed, counsel to Kyari. The prosecution did not object.
In the recording, the two men narrated how they trafficked cocaine and evaded airport scrutiny.
Umeibe said he was introduced into drug trafficking by a friend due to financial difficulties. He admitted he was arrested with cocaine at the Enugu airport and confirmed the act was unlawful.
He said he sourced the drugs from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was paid N500,000 for a previous trip, with the same amount expected for the last operation.
“We don’t know who will collect the drugs. After we leave the airport, we will take the night bus to Lagos and call the person we will hand over the drugs to,” he said.
Ezenwanne, who said he previously traded in clothing, told the court he was recruited by friends based in Brazil. He added that he used proceeds from the trade to settle debts and support his family.
On how they allegedly evaded checks, both men said their photographs were sent ahead to NDLEA officers at the airport.
“My picture will be sent to the NDLEA (officers) at the airport by the person who sent me this thing (cocaine),” Ezenwanne said.
“The person will now send it to NDLEA (officers). So when we get to the airport, they will now know us and clear us.”
When asked about screening procedures, he said: “They will open the bag and cover it again… Not properly.”
After the video was played, the defence asked for an adjournment to reconcile the transcript with the recording.
Nwite adjourned the case to April 20 and 21 for continuation of trial.
