A court in Mombasa has heard a case involving a 35-year-old Nigerian man accused of trafficking a large quantity of heroin within the coastal city.
The accused, Emmanuel Chimezie Okwara, was presented before Senior Resident Magistrate Gladys Ollimo, where he denied all the charges brought against him.
According to information presented in court by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okwara was allegedly found in possession of 3,265 grams of heroin with an estimated street value of about Ksh 9.8 million.
The incident is said to have taken place on April 15, 2026, in the Kadzandani area within Kisauni sub-county.
Investigators believe the drugs were being stored at the location, though further details about how the substances were discovered were not fully disclosed during the session.
In addition to the drug trafficking charge, Okwara is also facing a second count related to immigration violations. The court was told that he was in Kenya without valid travel documents, which is against the law.
The prosecution stated that he did not have a passport or any permit to support his stay in the country. This raised further concern about his legal status, especially given the seriousness of the main charge he is facing.
During the proceedings, the prosecution strongly opposed any attempt to release him on bond. They argued that Okwara could easily flee the country if released, mainly because he does not have a known permanent residence in Kenya.
The prosecution emphasized that the weight of the charges against him increases the risk of him failing to appear in court if granted bail.
The court also heard that, according to his legal representative, Okwara has been living in the Bamburi area of Mombasa since 2022.
However, the prosecution pointed out that he had not provided any official documents to confirm his legal stay in the country during that period.
This lack of documentation was presented as further proof that he may not comply with court conditions if released.
The prosecution also urged the court to consider the wider impact of drug trafficking in Kenya. They noted that such cases have been on the rise and argued that granting bond in this case could send the wrong message.
They maintained that keeping the accused in custody would ensure he is available for trial and help maintain public confidence in the justice system.
Okwara, through his lawyer, maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to both charges. His defense team is expected to continue challenging the prosecution’s claims as the case moves forward.
The court is now expected to make a decision on whether he will be granted bond or remain in custody.
The ruling on this matter is scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday, which will determine the next step in the case as it continues through the legal process.
