NDLEA Decries Death Sentence On Nigerian In Malaysia

The acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli Bode-George, has decried the death sentence passed on a Nigerian, Ekene Collins Isaac, by a Malaysian High Court.

Ekene, 37, was found guilty of smuggling 915.6g of methamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy or MDMA, into Malaysia three years ago.

The High Court judge, Datuk Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim, said the prosecution had proven Isaac’s guilt beyond doubt as she passed down the death sentence.

A statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said Roli, however, promised that diplomatic efforts would be explored to save the convict and assured Nigerians that the agency would maintain total alertness in drug detection operation all through the year.

She gave the assurance while speaking on the discovery of drugs in tin packs and arrest of a suspected drug trafficker on Boxing Day at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos with substances that tested positive to cocaine on his way from Brazil. The drug packed in six wraps weighing 120 grammes was inserted into his anus.

The second suspect wanted to export a consignment containing 1.860kg of methamphetamine sealed in tin tomato paste to South Africa when he was arrested.

“The Nigerian government will work to protect every citizen from untimely death resulting from drug trafficking and drug abuse. We shall remain vigilant at all times and prevent drug trafficking syndicates from smuggling narcotic drugs in and out of the country. While respecting the laws of other countries, the federal government will explore diplomatic means to prevent capital punishment on citizens,” George said.

Credit: Thisday