- “It’s a historical blow to illicit drug trade” – Marwa
By Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of four drug kingpins arrested in connection with the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at a residential estate in Ikorodu in 2022.
They were convicted by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, who sentenced them to various jail terms totalling 28 years with hard labour.
Meanwhile, an elated Chairman and Chief Executive of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described their conviction and the forfeiture of their assets as a historical blow to the illicit drug trade.
The convicts, Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, were charged with six counts in charge number FHC/L/607C/2022 in October and December 2022. The trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, arraigned alongside them, is still ongoing in court.
The charges include conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organisation (DTO); management and financing of a DTO; importation and possession of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine, among others.
A statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that operatives of a special operations unit of the NDLEA conducted a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 18 September 2022. They raided a house located at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, where the over 2.1 tons of cocaine were seized – the largest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s anti-narcotic operations.
The drug kingpins were arrested from hotels and hideouts in various parts of Lagos between the night of Sunday, 18 September, and Monday, 19 September 2022.
After over two years of diligent prosecution, the trial judge sentenced the Jamaican, Kelvin Christopher Smith, to four years’ imprisonment with hard labour; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu received a total of 16 years; Soji Jubril Oke got five years with hard labour, and Wasiu Akinade was sentenced to three years with hard labour. The judge, however, gave the convicts varying options of fines, except for one who will serve his full jail term without an option of fine.
The convicts were also ordered to forfeit a grey Toyota Tacoma SUV (registration number AAA-734HT) registered in the name of Emmanuel Chukwu, $50,000 belonging to Chukwu, N55,099,509.50 also belonging to Chukwu, N9,003,168.06 belonging to Wasiu Akinade, and N3,052,295.20 also belonging to Akinade.
In another suit marked FHC/L/MISC/672/2024, filed before Justice Bogoro on 9 December 2024, the agency secured the final forfeiture of two houses linked to members of the drug cartel.
According to the court:
“That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 2A, 2B, and 2C attached to this application, used for the storage and concealment of 2,139.55kg (more than two tons) of cocaine, an illicit substance similar to heroin and LSD.
“That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC) Estate, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 3 attached to this application, reasonably believed to be bought with proceeds derived from trafficking in illicit drug substances (proceeds of crime) as in relief 1 of this Motion.
“That an Order is granted directing the sale or disposal by any other means provided by law of the forfeited house/landed property by the applicant, and the payment of the proceeds therefrom to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
While commending all the officers and men of the agency involved in the extensive investigation and prosecution of the cartel members, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) stated that the case is a historical blow to drug cartels. He added that it serves as a strong warning that they will not only go to jail but will also lose all their investments in illicit drug consignments, including properties and wealth acquired through the criminal trade.