NDLEA staff bags 7yrs for aiding suspected trafficker

Justice Balikisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday November 6, 2014 sentenced a dismissed NDLEA Staff, Ibrahim Muazzam to seven years imprisonment for aiding a suspected drug trafficker, Eni Eze Itu now at large to export 3.7kg of heroin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.

Justice Balikusu in her judgment said that it is sad that an officer who is paid by the government to arrest drug traffickers is now aiding drug traffickers to perpetrate their criminal act.

Ibrahim who pleaded not guilty to a two count charge of aiding and conspiracy to export 3.7kg of heroin in November 2009 was exonerated on the charge of conspiracy.

The Judge however added that although the NDLEA was unable to prove the case of conspiracy against the accused, she was convinced that there are enough evidence before the court to convict him on the ground of aiding and abetting.

The accused was therefore sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

According to the NDLEA, Ibrahim Muazzam was an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics on grade level 8 prior to his dismissal and trial.

He reportedly went to the Abuja airport where he last served when he was off duty to assist one Eni Eze Itu who is currently at large to check-in a luggage.

In the process of examination, NDLEA officers on duty discovered 3.7kg of heroin inside the luggage. He was immediately arrested.

The said Eni Eze Itu who was to travel with the bag found to contain the drug did not show up and has since been on the wanted list of the Agency.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade described the action of Ibrahim as unprofessional and shameful. “The conduct of Ibrahim Muazzam is unprofessional and must not be condoned. As soon as the case was reported, it was referred to the senior disciplinary committee of the NDLEA who found him guilty and recommended him for dismissal. The decision to prosecute him was in line with the NDLEA rules of engagement” Giade stated.

The NDLEA boss added that the fight against corruption will only be complete when addressed from both within and outside the NDLEA.