In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted four drug kingpins arrested in connection with the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine in 2022.
The convicts, Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, were sentenced to various jail terms totaling 28 years with hard labor.
The cocaine seizure, which occurred at an Ikorodu residential estate, was the largest singular cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s anti-narcotic operations history.
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The NDLEA operatives had raided a house located at 6 Olukuola crescent, Solebo estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, where the cocaine was seized.
The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization, management and financing of a DTO, importation, and possession of cocaine.
They were also ordered to forfeit properties and assets, including a grey Toyota Tacoma SUV, $50,000, N55,099,509.50, and two houses in Victoria Garden City (VGC) Estate, Lagos.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution, stating that the case is a historical blow to drug cartels and a warning that they will lose all their investments in illicit drug consignments, including properties and wealth acquired through the criminal trade.