Arraignment of Indian Woman Caught With 11kg of Heroin at Kano Airport Postponed Due to Language Barrier

 

The arraignment of 42-year-old Indian national, Neetu Neetu, who was recently arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with a massive haul of heroin weighing 11 kilograms, has been postponed. The postponement occurred because the defendant does not speak English, and unfortunately, there was no interpreter available to assist her in understanding the court proceedings.

Neetu was apprehended on Friday, March 14, 2025, after arriving on Qatar Airways flight QR1431, which originated from Bangkok, Thailand, with stopovers in Vietnam and Doha. Upon arrival in Kano, officials searched her luggage and discovered 72 sealed parcels of heroin cleverly disguised and packaged to look like chocolates. This large quantity of narcotics, classified as Class A drugs, was seized as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking into Nigeria.

Speaking in court, the defense counsel, B.Y. Gambo, informed the judge that his client, who was arrested immediately upon landing, does not understand or speak English. According to Mr. Gambo, “The prosecution should hire an interpreter so she can fully understand the charges against her and participate in the court process.” This request highlights the importance of ensuring that foreign nationals face legal proceedings in a language they comprehend, which is a fundamental aspect of fair trial rights.

On the other hand, counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Umar Hussaini, explained that the agency’s interpretation unit is currently not operational. However, he reassured the court that despite the language barrier, “The defendant, being a foreign national, is being treated with utmost care and professionalism while in custody.” This statement underscores the agency’s commitment to humane treatment even while handling serious drug-related offenses.

Presiding over the case, Justice Simon Amobeda directed the prosecution to reach out to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Indian High Commission to secure the services of a competent interpreter. The judge emphasized that it is crucial for the defendant to understand the proceedings and for the court to ensure fairness before moving forward.

As a result, the court adjourned the case to June 4, 2025, allowing time to find a suitable interpreter. The defendant will remain in the custody of the NDLEA until then.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with international drug trafficking and the importance of ensuring justice is served fairly, even amid language and procedural hurdles.