Four drug lords involved in Nigeria’s largest cocaine seizure have been sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison with hard labor, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the sentences, following the prosecution of the suspects linked to a 2.1-tonne cocaine haul in 2022.
The convicted individuals include Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican. Charged with conspiracy, drug trafficking, and illegal possession of cocaine, the trial spanned over two years under case number FHC/L/607C/2022. The NDLEA revealed the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on a property in Ikorodu, Lagos, in September 2022.
The sentences ranged from three to sixteen years, with options for fines granted to some, except one. Additionally, significant assets linked to the drug cartel were forfeited, including properties in Ikorodu and Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, and large sums of money. Forfeited items also included a Toyota Tacoma SUV, $50,000 in cash, and over ₦67 million in funds associated with the convicts.
Justice Bogoro approved the final forfeiture of the properties used in concealing the cocaine and those purchased with proceeds from the illicit trade. The court directed the sale of the properties, with proceeds transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
NDLEA’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s officers for their diligence and emphasized that the case sends a strong warning to drug traffickers. He stated, “This historic ruling is a blow to drug cartels. Not only will they face imprisonment, but they will also lose their investments, properties, and wealth acquired through illicit trade.”
