Judgment Stalled As Court Says Verdict Not Ready In Ariket’s Fresh Drug Trafficking Trial

The scheduled judgment in the drug trafficking case against Lagos socialite, Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, was on Friday, February 13, adjourned after the Federal High Court, Lagos, informed parties that the verdict was not ready.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who is presiding over the matter, had earlier fixed February 13 for judgment following the adoption of final written addresses by counsel. However, parties were notified via the court’s official WhatsApp platform that the judgment was not prepared and that a new date would be communicated in due course.
Ariket, also known as Funmilola Ogundipe, is facing a four-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), bordering on conspiracy, illegal possession, aiding and abetting, and attempting to smuggle 1.595 kilograms of cocaine into Saudi Arabia.
She was re-arraigned on April 24, 2024, alongside her alleged accomplice, Odeyemi Omolola, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for drug trafficking.
The duo was initially arraigned in 2017 before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, then of the Federal High Court and now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, on a five-count charge of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of cocaine.
While Omolola, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, Ariket pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. She later changed her plea to guilty on the charge of attempted unlawful exportation of the narcotic and was sentenced to 25 years.
Her appeal against conviction was dismissed on February 26, 2021, with the appellate court affirming the trial court’s judgment.
Nearly a decade after the initial proceedings, both women were again re-arraigned before Justice Dipeolu on fresh drug trafficking charges. Ariket maintained her innocence in the new case and pleaded not guilty, while Omolola pleaded guilty and received an additional 15-year sentence, ordered to run concurrently with her earlier term.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Ibrahim, called nine witnesses and tendered several exhibits. After closing its case, the defence filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.
Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application, holding that sufficient evidence had been presented to require the defendant to enter her defence.
Ariket subsequently testified in her own defence and called her daughter, Oluwadunmininu Ogbuaya, as a second witness. Following the conclusion of testimonies, both parties filed and adopted their final written addresses, paving the way for judgment—now pending.
The charges allege that on February 23 and 24, 2017, the defendants conspired to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine, aided and procured its attempted exportation, and unlawfully possessed the narcotic drug, contrary to Sections 14(b) and 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.