A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four drug kingpins linked to the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022.
The operation remains the largest cocaine haul in Nigeria’s history.
The convicts, identified as Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55),Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), a Jamaican, were arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in various locations across Lagos between September 18 and 19, 2022.
The arrests followed a raid at No. 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, where the drugs were seized.
Justice Yellim Bogoro sentenced the convicts to a combined 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour, Kelvin Christopher Smith (Jamaican), Four years imprisonment with hard labour, Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, A total of 16 years imprisonment, Soji Jubril Oke, Five years imprisonment with hard labour., Wasiu Akinade, Three years imprisonment with hard labour.
The court also imposed varying options of fines on the convicts, except for one who must serve the full jail term without the possibility of a fine.
The convicts were ordered to forfeit several assets linked to their drug trafficking activities, including, A grey Toyota Tacoma SUV (registration number AAA-734HT) registered in the name of Emmanuel Chukwu, $50,000 and ₦55,099,509.50 belonging to Emmanuel Chukwu, N9,003,168.06 and N3,052,295.20 belonging to Wasiu Akinade.
In a related ruling, Justice Bogoro granted the Federal Government the final forfeiture of two properties tied to the drug cartel, House No. 6, Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, used for storing and concealing the cocaine. House No. J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City Estate, Lagos, believed to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking.
The court directed the sale or disposal of these properties, with proceeds remitted to the Federal Government.
The trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, who was arraigned alongside the convicted individuals, is ongoing.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi commended the convictions as a landmark in the fight against drug trafficking.
“This verdict sends a clear message that drug traffickers will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug cartels and ensuring the forfeiture of assets linked to criminal activities, in line with the agency’s mandate to combat illicit drug trade in Nigeria.
