The Federal High Court in Lagos, under the leadership of Justice Yellim Bogoro, has sentenced four notorious drug lords to a combined total of 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour, following their involvement in Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure of 2.1 tons in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The convicted individuals include Soji Jubril Oke (71), sentenced to 5 years; Wasiu Akinade (55), sentenced to 3 years; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), sentenced to 16 years; and Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), sentenced to 4 years.
In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of their assets, which include a Toyota Tacoma SUV, N67 million, $50,000 USD, and two prime properties: one located at Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, and another at Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.
The convictions stem from a major raid on September 18, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which led to the discovery and seizure of 2,139.55kg of cocaine at a property in Ikorodu. The convicts were arrested from various hideouts across Lagos.
Justice Bogoro ruled that the properties, which were linked to proceeds from drug trafficking, be sold, with the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Marwa hailed the ruling as a historic victory in the fight against drug cartels. He emphasized that the ruling serves as a stern warning to traffickers, stating that they will face severe consequences, including the loss of ill-gotten wealth and assets.
This landmark decision highlights Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to tackling drug trafficking, dismantling criminal networks, and reclaiming proceeds from illegal activities.