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A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted ₦150 million bail to a 67-year-old United Kingdom-based Nigerian grandmother, Mrs Mary Yetunde Barek, who is standing trial over the alleged trafficking of 13 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in plantain for export to the UK.
Justice Friday Ogazi admitted Barek to bail in the sum of ₦150 million with two sureties in like amount. The court ruled that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction, own landed property valued at not less than ₦150 million, and provide proof of ownership as well as evidence of tax payments for the past three years.
The judge also ordered the defendant to surrender her British international passport to the court and remain in Nigeria throughout the trial unless expressly permitted to travel.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that Barek attempted to export the illicit drug, disguised as plantain, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for onward shipment to the United Kingdom.
According to the agency, the alleged offence occurred on June 28, 2026, during passenger clearance for a Virgin Atlantic flight at Terminal 2 of the airport. Prosecutors claimed she transported the consignment from her residence on Alhaji Azeez Ajanaku Street, Okota, Lagos, to the airport for export.
Barek was arraigned in August on charges bordering on the unlawful exportation and transportation of cocaine, offences said to be contrary to Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act. She pleaded not guilty.
While the NDLEA opposed her bail application, her defence counsel urged the court to grant bail on health grounds. After considering the submissions, Justice Ogazi granted the application and directed that the defendant must not leave Nigeria without the court's approval pending the conclusion of her trial.
