Two men, including a former footballer, were remanded in custody yesterday after pleading not guilty to trafficking in cocaine in separate incidents.

Nigerian national Ezechukwu Prince Okeke, 25, also known as Daddy, used to play for Lija Athletic as a defender three years ago. He was jailed last March after being found guilty of theft and served a 10 month term, being released in January.

He is awaiting trial over money laundering charges.

He was arrested on Saturday morning in Marsascala and arraigned yesterday when he pleaded not guilty to possessing, trafficking and conspiring to traffic the drug on and before Saturday.

Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto asked Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera for bail, which the court denied after hearing Police Inspector Victor Aquilina oppose arguing that the charges are serious.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg also prosecuted.

In the second arraignment, 31-year-old Stephen Borg pleaded not guilty to possessing and trafficking of cocaine, relapsing and committing the crime close to a school.

Mr Borg was arrested on Friday together with another man, Mario Farrugia, who was arraigned on Sunday on similar charges.

The court denied him bail and ordered his assets to be frozen.

Police Inspectors Elton Taliana and Robert Vella prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.