December 26, 2024
By Idris Buba
A Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, has sentenced Four drug lords linked to Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure of 2.1 tons in Ikorodu, Lagos, to a combined 28 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The four convicts are 71 years Soji Jubril Oke, who was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour, Wasiu Akinade, 55 years got 3 years imprisonment with hard labour, while 67 years Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu is to spend 16 years in prison and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44 years Jamaican, was jailed 4 years with hard labour.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets linked to the convicts:
A Toyota Tacoma SUV
$50,000 USD
₦55,099,509.50
₦9,003,168.06
₦3,052,295.20
Two properties—House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, and House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City, VGC, Lagos, were also confiscated by the court.
Recall, on September 18, 2022, NDLEA operatives raided a property at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, wherein they seized 2,139.55kg of cocaine in an intelligence-led operation after which the convicts were arrested in various hideouts across Lagos.
READ MORE; NAFDAC Warns Frozen Food Sellers Against Unregistered Products
Delivering the judgement, Justice Bogoro emphasized that the properties were proceeds from drug trafficking and ruled that they be sold and the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who hailed the investigation and prosecution teams, described the convictions and asset forfeitures as a historic victory against drug trafficking cartels.
He stated that “This case serves as a stern warning to drug traffickers, indicating they will not only face jail terms but also forfeit their ill-gotten wealth and properties acquired through criminal enterprises.”
This ruling marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug smuggling and trafficking.
