Barek Mary Yetunde, a 70-year-old lady accused of trafficking 13 kilograms of cocaine, has been placed under detention at the Ikoyi Correctional Center by a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Following Yetunde's arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on two counts pertaining to the illicit possession, transportation, and attempted exporting of cocaine, Justice Friday Ogazi issued the ruling on Wednesday.

Chief Benson Ndakara represented the defendant at the resumed sessions, while NDLEA prosecutor Abu Ibrahim represented the agency.

In order to arraign Yetunde during the current court vacation, Ibrahim first asked the court for authorisation.

The two-count charge, dated August 8, 2026, was read to the defendant after Justice Ogazi approved the application.

On both counts, Yetunde entered a not guilty plea.

The defendant, a resident of Okota, Lagos, is accused of committing the crimes at the Terminal 2 Departure Hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, on or around June 28, 2026.

The prosecution claimed that Yetunde illegally sought to export 13 kg of cocaine as passengers were being cleared to board a Virgin Atlantic flight from Lagos to the United Kingdom.

Additionally, she was charged with moving the same amount of cocaine from her home to the Terminal 2 departure area of the airport.

Source