South African Court Denies Bail To Nigerian Accused Of Dealing Drugs

A judicial body in South Africa has refused to grant bail to a 51-year-old citizen from Nigeria, named Michael Okoya, who faces accusations of trafficking narcotics.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) along with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) issued a declaration on Monday, November 10, 2025, expressing their approval of the ruling from the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court.

Okoya got detained in September 2025 at the hands of personnel from the North West Provincial Anti-Drug Team as well as the Tactical Response Team (TRT).

The detention of Okoya came in the wake of a raid and asset forfeiture exercise carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Crime Intelligence division, and TRT at his apartment located in Klerksdorp on 02 September 2025.

In the course of that exercise, personnel from law enforcement seized a substantial amount of narcotics, encompassing crystal meth, kat, and mandrax pills, possessing a projected market value surpassing R1.5 million.

Okoya happened to be absent at the time of the incursion, which initiated a pursuit operation. Subsequently, he got captured once officials acted upon reliable tips.

Throughout the bail hearing, the prosecution side, embodied by Advocate Riekie Krause, resisted the bail application, arguing that Okoya represented a significant risk of fleeing.

The prosecution introduced three sworn declarations: the first from a high-ranking SAPS representative who obtained details regarding an intended getaway, the second from the lead detective, and the third from the agent who seized a mobile device belonging to the defendant.

The judicial panel learned that the defendant had voiced plans to evade custody should bail be approved. Upon reviewing the presented proofs, the judicial body rejected the bail request, and the case got rescheduled to 09 December 2025 to allow additional inquiries.

The Director of Public Prosecutions for the North West province, Dr Rachel Makhari, together with the Acting Head of the Hawks in the North West, Brigadier Georgia Moos, praised the collaborative endeavors of the NPA’s Organised Crime Component and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit for their relentless dedication in securing the defendant’s apprehension and prosecution.

“The NPA, working closely with the DPCI and other law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle drug networks and ensure that those who destroy our communities with drugs are held accountable,” they said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli