Court Dismisses No-Case Submission by Lagos Socialite Ariket in Cocaine Trafficking Trial
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday dismissed a no-case submission filed by Lagos socialite Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, who is facing trial for her alleged involvement in **drug trafficking.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, in delivering the ruling, affirmed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had successfully established a prima facie case against the defendant, necessitating that she opens her defense.
Ariket is being prosecuted on a four-count charge involving conspiracy, unlawful possession, aiding and abetting, and ttempt to smuggle 1.595 kilograms of cocaine (Saltiva)to Saudi Arabia.
She was re-arraigned on April 24, 2024, alongside Odeyemi Omolara, her alleged co-conspirator who has since been convicted and is currently serving a 25-year sentence for the same offence.
Initially arraigned in 2017 before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari (now of the Court of Appeal), both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. However, mid-trial, Odeyemi changed her plea to guilty and was sentenced accordingly. Her appeal was dismissed in 2021 by the Court of Appeal.
Nearly nine years after the initial arraignment, the duo was brought back before Justice Dipeolu. While Odeyemi maintained her guilty plea, Ariket denied all charges and opted for a no-case submission following the prosecution’s presentation of nine witnesses and several documentary exhibits.
After arguments from both sides on February 26, 2025, the court ruled that enough evidence had been presented to warrant a full trial.
Justice Dipeolu stated:
“From the evidence adduced by the Prosecution witness one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is need for the defendant to open her defence against the charges against her.”
The matter was adjourned to April 29 for Ariket to open her defense.
Charges Summary:
1. Conspiracy to export 1.595 kg of cocaine to Saudi Arabia – Section 14(b), NDLEA Act.
2. Aiding and abetting the illegal export of cocaine – Section 14(b), NDLEA Act.
3. Procuring an individual for trafficking narcotics – Section 14(b), NDLEA Act.
4. Unlawful possession of 1.595 kg of cocaine – Section 19, NDLEA Act.
The NDLEA continues its crackdown on narcotics-related offenses, particularly high-profile cases involving public figures and socialites.
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