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The arraignment of 42-year-old Indian national Neetu Neetu, who was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 72 parcels of heroin totaling 11 kilograms—sealed and packaged to resemble chocolates—was postponed because the defendant does not speak English, and no interpreter was available.
The Class A drug consignment was discovered during a search of the woman’s luggage upon her arrival at Kano airport on board Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Counsel for the defendant, B.Y. Gambo, informed the court that his client, arrested upon arrival in Nigeria, does not understand English. He requested that the prosecution secure an interpreter to ensure she comprehends the court proceedings.
NDLEA’s counsel, Umar Hussaini, explained that the agency’s interpretation unit is currently non-functional. He assured the court that the defendant, as a foreign national, is being treated with the utmost care and professionalism while in custody.
Justice Simon Amobeda ordered the prosecution to apply to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Indian High Commission to provide an interpreter before the next scheduled hearing.
The judge adjourned the matter to June 4 for arraignment, by which time an interpreter is expected to be available.
Meanwhile, the defendant remains in the custody of the NDLEA.
