PANAJI
Nigerian national Sunday Onye Lucky, who on March 22 was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Cell with Rs 66.95 lakh worth party drugs, is believed to be illegally running a Bar & Restaurant in Saligao. In fact, the accused controlled the business hub.
An investigation into a drug bust against the Nigerian and his Goan wife has revealed that he is the unofficial co-owner of “Goa Wags Bar and Restaurant” situated in Mollem Bhat while the premises is legally leased out to his wife Suzie.
Prakash Govekar, owner of the property, deposed that though the leave and licence contract was signed by Suzie, the Bar and Restaurant was handled by Onye. In his statement before the Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court-I) Cholu Gauns, Govekar stated that Suzie often referred him to her husband for any business-related matters. Neither was the monthly rent deposited in time nor the couple was committed to discontinuing the contract.
“She would ask Govekar to discuss the matter with Onye only after which she deposited the rent. Many times, Govekar decided to discontinue the contract but Suzie would tell him to ask Onye if he was ready to close or continue the contract. In case of wear and tear of the Bar, Suzie referred him to Onye and sort the matter,” the statement said.
The Court noted that the Bar and Restaurant was in full control of the Nigerian accused, whose bail has been rejected in the eight-month-old case wherein the ANC team recovered 64.91 grams LSD liquid and 20.45 grams of MDMA concealed in the drawer of the counter of the Bar. The Judge observed it prima facie proves conscious possession of the drugs by Onye that attracts provisions of section 22(c) of NDPS Act. “It cannot be held that there are no reasonable grounds that the accused is not guilty of the offence,” the order states.
The Nigerian has been booked for various other offenses including the rampage on the National Highway in October 2013 among others.
