In a separate suit filed by the NDLEA, Justice Yellim Bogoro issued a final forfeiture order for two properties connected to the drug trafficking operation.
Lagos, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four individuals, including a Jamaican, to a total of 28 years in prison with hard labor for their involvement in drug trafficking.
The case is tied to the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in September 2022.
The NDLEA raid, which occurred at a property located at 6 Olukuola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, marked the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. The drugs, concealed in the residence, were valued at several billions of naira.
The convicted individuals include:
- Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, sentenced to four years imprisonment with hard labor.
- Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67, sentenced to 16 years imprisonment.
- Soji Jubril Oke, 71, sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labor.
- Wasiu Akinade, 55, sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labor.
The defendants were charged with six counts, including conspiracy to operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO), managing and financing a DTO, and possession of the cocaine.
A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is still undergoing trial.
Asset Forfeitures
The court also ordered the forfeiture of significant assets linked to the drug cartel. These include:
- A Toyota Tacoma SUV registered to Emmanuel Chukwu.
- $50,000 USD and ₦55,099,509.50 belonging to Chukwu.
- ₦9,003,168.06 and ₦3,052,295.20 linked to Wasiu Akinade.
The convicts received varying options of fines, except for one, who must serve the full jail term without any option of fine.
In a separate suit filed by the NDLEA, Justice Yellim Bogoro issued a final forfeiture order for two properties connected to the drug trafficking operation.
A property at 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, used for storing the cocaine.
A property at J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, believed to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking.
The court directed that the properties be sold, with the proceeds going to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, praised the judgment as a victory for the country’s anti-drug campaign, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.
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