Drug Trafficking Arraignment of Indian Woman Delayed Over Lack of Interpreter in Kano Court

The Federal High Court in Kano has postponed the arraignment of Ms. Neetu, a 42-year-old Indian national, on drug trafficking charges due to the absence of a language interpreter. The adjournment was ordered on Tuesday by Justice Simon Amobeda, following legal arguments on the necessity of interpretation for the non-English-speaking defendant.

Ms. Neetu, who was arrested on March 14, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, is accused of attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of heroin disguised in chocolate-style wafer wrappers.

Defense Says Interpreter Is Prosecution's Responsibility

Her counsel, B.Y. Gambo, informed the court that his client does not speak or understand English, and emphasized that it is the responsibility of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), not the defense, to provide a qualified interpreter.

“It’s the prosecution’s duty, not ours, to ensure communication barriers are addressed. I cannot continue paying the interpreter in foreign currency,” Gambo stated.

In response, NDLEA counsel Umar Hussain accused the defense of deliberately stalling the legal process, suggesting that existing communication channels with the accused should suffice for arraignment.

However, Justice Amobeda overruled this objection, stating that fair trial rights demand proper interpretation when the defendant lacks proficiency in the court's language.

“Until an interpreter is secured to bridge the language barrier, the court cannot proceed with the arraignment,” Justice Amobeda ruled.

The case has been adjourned to June 4, 2025, with the judge ordering that Ms. Neetu remain in NDLEA custody until then.

According to the NDLEA, Ms. Neetu was arrested based on actionable intelligence shortly after arriving in Kano from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha, on Qatar Airways flight QR1431.

Upon inspection, authorities allegedly found 72 factory-sealed packs of heroin weighing 11 kilograms, hidden inside confectionery packaging.

The case has drawn attention due to its international dimensions and the unusual method of concealment. The NDLEA has not yet disclosed whether additional suspects are being investigated in connection with the trafficking route.