Nigerian charged over alleged Ksh.9.8M heroin trafficking in Mombasa

Emmanuel Chimezie Okwara appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Gladys Ollimo, where he faced charges of trafficking in narcotic drugs contrary to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the court heard that Okwara was allegedly found storing 3,265 grams of heroin with a market value of Ksh.9,795,000.

The offence is said to have been committed on April 15, 2026, in the Kadzandani area of Kisauni sub-county within Mombasa County.

He faced a second charge of being unlawfully present in Kenya, contrary to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. According to the charge sheet, Okwara, a Nigerian citizen, was found in the country without a valid passport or permit.

The accused pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he is a flight risk due to the seriousness of the charges and his lack of permanent residence in the country.

“He is a flight risk with no permanent roots; hence, this court should not admit him to bond,” the prosecution stated.

The prosecutor further told the court that the accused has been residing unlawfully in Kenya, with his lawyer indicating that he has been living in Bamburi, Mombasa, since 2022.

It was also submitted that he failed to provide documentation to support his legal stay in the country.

The ODPP urged the court to consider the prevalence of drug trafficking cases in Kenya and deny him bond.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bond application on Wednesday.