Segun Atanda/
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Lagos socialite, Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, who is standing trial on multiple drug trafficking charges.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, in his ruling, held that the prosecution—the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)—had established a prima facie case against the defendant through its nine witnesses and documentary evidence.
Ariket is being prosecuted on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, aiding and abetting, and attempt to smuggle 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia. She was re-arraigned in 2024 alongside her alleged co-conspirator, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for related drug offenses.
The duo were first arraigned in 2017 before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari (now a Justice of the Court of Appeal) on a five-count charge. While Omolara later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Ariket maintained her innocence, denying all charges.
Dissatisfied with her conviction, Omolara had appealed the sentence, but her appeal was dismissed in 2021 by a panel led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, which upheld the original ruling as meritorious.
Years later, both women were re-arraigned before Justice Dipeolu. Omolara again pleaded guilty, but Ariket entered a not-guilty plea and was granted bail.
During the trial, the NDLEA’s lead prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, presented nine witnesses and tendered numerous exhibits in support of the charges. Upon the close of the prosecution’s case, Ariket filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented did not warrant her entering a defense.
Arguments on the no-case submission were adopted on February 26, 2025, with Justice Dipeolu reserving judgment.
In his ruling today, the judge stated:
“From the evidence adduced by prosecution witnesses one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is need for the defendant to open her defense against the charges.”
Justice Dipeolu dismissed the no-case submission and adjourned the matter to April 29, 2025, for Ariket to open her defense.
The Charges
According to the charge sheet, Ariket and Omolara are accused of conspiring to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia on or about February 23 and 24, 2017. Ariket is also accused of aiding, abetting, and procuring Omolara for the purpose of trafficking the drug.
All offenses contravene Sections 14(b) and 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
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