Kenyan denies knowledge of shabu, owning luggage

CEBU, Philippines - The Kenyan who was arrested for allegedly transporting three kilos of shabu last Sept. 29 denied knowing about the drugs and even disowned the luggage where it was found.

During the pre-trial yesterday Asha Atieno Ogutu, through her lawyer Ricardo Amore, denied she owned the bag where the shabu was found.

Amore said the only thing clear was that his client was a Kenyan arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation last September 29 at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Amore said they will present three witnesses, including his client, to prove the accused is innocent of the crime. The prosecution side said they will present five witnesses.

Ogutu was charged for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for transporting shabu.

She was arrested by the NBI-7 following a tip from the NBI Central Office in Manila that Ogutu was on board Qatar Airways Flight 656 from Doha, Qatar, and was bringing shabu.

Earlier, Ogutu claimed she did not know about the shabu as the bag was handed to her by a certain “Josh” in Bernin when she was still in Africa.

During the arraignment of the case Ogutu pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Judge Toribio Quiwag of Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Lapu-Lapu City said he will conduct a marathon hearing on the case of Ogutu.

Quiwag set the hearings for November 16, 17, 23, 24 and December 1, 7, 8 and 14. (FREEMAN)