A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted ₦150 million bail to 67-year-old UK-based Nigerian, Mrs Mary Yetunde Barek, who is standing trial over the alleged trafficking of 13 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom.
Justice Friday Ogazi granted the defendant bail with two sureties in the same sum, subject to stringent conditions.
The court ordered that both sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and own landed property valued at not less than ₦150 million. They are also required to provide evidence of ownership of the properties and proof of tax payments for the past three years. 
Barek, who ordinarily resides in the United Kingdom, was further directed to surrender her British international passport to the court and remain in Nigeria throughout the trial. She must also obtain the court’s permission before travelling outside the country.
The case stems from an alleged cocaine shipment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 28, 2026.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that Barek was arrested during the outward clearance of passengers travelling on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Terminal 2 of the airport in Ikeja.
According to the prosecution, the 13kg consignment of cocaine was allegedly concealed and disguised as plantain in an attempt to facilitate its transportation to the UK.
The NDLEA further alleged that Barek transported the prohibited substance from her residence on Alhaji Azeez Ajanaku Street, Okota, Lagos, to the airport for onward export.
She was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in August and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution said the alleged offence contravened Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, a provision dealing with unlawful dealing in and trafficking of controlled narcotic substances.
During the bail proceedings, the prosecution opposed the application, while Barek’s lawyer urged the court to consider her age and reported health condition in granting her temporary freedom pending trial.
After considering the arguments, Justice Ogazi granted bail but imposed strict conditions designed to ensure that the defendant remains available for trial.
The court specifically ordered that she must not leave Nigeria without its prior permission.
The allegations against Barek remain unproven, as she has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
