The comedian was apprehended on October 12, 2011, over suspicion of narcotic ingestion during the screening of Air France passengers to Paris.

In a judgement delivered by Justice R. N Pemu, the court held that the anti-narcotics agency had good reason to detain the comedian. It upheld the argument of the NDLEA that the Lagos State High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter and accordingly set aside compensation awarded against the NDLEA and the order to publish public apology in two national dailies within 21 days of judgement.

Reacting to the judgement, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the development as a “victory for drug control in the country”.

In its ruling, the court stated that the detention of the comedian was within a reasonable period as stipulated by the law. “The agency was conscious of the fundamental rights of the comedian when it promptly approached the Federal High Court Lagos for additional days of detention for observation,” said Pemu. “There was simply no basis for the 25 million naira damages. The compensation is excessive and hereby set aside.”

The agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Femi Oloruntoba, expressed delight with the judgement. “We are happy with the judgement,” he said. “It is fair and serves the best interest of justice.”

Counsel to the comedian, Bamidele Aturu, said that they will contest the judgement at the Supreme Court. “With profound respect, we thank the court for the judgement,” he said. “However, we disagree with the decision and will appeal the judgement.”