PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has rejected the bail plea of Nigerian national Domnic Nweke, arrested in a drug case, observing he is a habitual offender and the trial is at an advanced stage. Nweke has been in judicial custody since January 2023, after 55 grams of cocaine, valued at around Rs 5.5 lakh, were seized from him during a raid at Morjim by the Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) Police Station. He was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Nweke had filed four bail applications earlier”three were rejected and one withdrawn. The defence argued he had been in custody for over two years, the contraband quantity was intermediate, and his right to a speedy trial was violated.
The State opposed bail, stating Nweke had prior NDPS involvement and allegedly committed the present offence while on bail in the earlier case. Charges have been framed, six of eleven witnesses have been examined, and the trial is expected to conclude within four months.
The High Court noted discrepancies in his details, including differing addresses and undeclared income sources. His passport and visa had expired, raising concerns over securing his presence during trial.
“The applicant is a habitual offender, his passport and visa have expired, and if released, his attendance may not be secured. The trial is underway and likely to conclude within four months,” the court said, while denying bail. The court directed the trial court to complete proceedings within six months.
