An image of the gavel, a symbol of authority the Court of Appeal decides in the Kano Emirship tussle.
As the court jails 4 drug lords for 28 years, it also forfeiture of assets, including vehicles, cash, and properties . The assets were obtained from trafficking over 2.1 tons of cocaine.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four drug lords involved in Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. The seizure, amounting to 2.1 tons of cocaine, was discovered in Ikorodu, Lagos, in September 2022. The convicted men were sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison with hard labour. Justice Yellim Bogoro presided over the case, delivering a landmark ruling that marks a significant step in Nigeria’s war against drug trafficking.

The four drug lords convicted are:

  • Soji Jubril Oke (71) – 5 years imprisonment with hard labour
  • Wasiu Akinade (55) – 3 years imprisonment with hard labour
  • Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67) – 16 years imprisonment
  • Kelvin Christopher Smith (44, Jamaican) – 4 years imprisonment with hard labour

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested the convicts during an operation. The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets obtained from drug trafficking activities, including vehicles, cash, and properties. They include:

  • House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu
  • House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos

The suspects used the properties to store and conceal the 2.1 tons of cocaine. Justice Bogoro emphasized that these assets were the fruits of criminal enterprises.

The court directed the sale of these properties and that the proceeds should go to the government. This ruling highlights Nigeria’s increasing focus on seizing assets acquired through illicit activities, a critical part of the government’s anti-corruption and anti-narcotics efforts.

NDLEA’s role as court jails 4 drug lords

The NDLEA operatives raided a property at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, on September 18, 2022. They seized 2,139.55 kg of cocaine, marking the largest cocaine haul in Nigeria’s history. The authorities had gathered intelligence on the cartel’s operations, leading to the breakthrough. NDLEA operatives arrested the convicts from various hideouts across Lagos between September 18 and 19, 2022.

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesman, described the judgement as a historic achievement. “The court’s decision is a huge blow to drug cartels.” Babafemi emphasized the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks in Nigeria.

The total assets forfeited amounted to ₦67 million and $50,000 USD. These assets were linked to the convicts, who were involved in managing the operations of a drug trafficking organization (DTO).

Recent drug busts and continued successes

The conviction of the four drug lords is not an isolated event. The NDLEA has made several significant drug busts in recent months. In December 2024, the agency seized over 3 tons of cannabis in Lagos and Ogun States.

The operatives also arrested 14,480 traffickers and seized 2.4 million kilograms of illicit substances throughout 2024. This included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman, commended the  officers, calling their work “a historic victory over drug cartels.”

“These convictions send a strong message that drug traffickers will face both jail time and asset forfeiture,” Marwa stated. He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating the global drug trade.

Public reactions to the NDLEA’s efforts have been overwhelmingly positive. Citizens and legal experts alike have praised the agency’s progress in tackling drug cartels and their activities. Experts see this as a major step in improving national security and the fight against organized crime.

Members of the public have voiced strong support for the ruling, hoping it will set a precedent for future convictions. Legal experts believe this decision will encourage the government to pursue more aggressive action against drug trafficking.

By Uduak Edward

Mr. Uduak Edward is an experienced Nigerian journalist with over 11 years in the field. Known for his incisive reporting and keen analytical skills, Uduak has covered a wide range of topics, from politics to social issues, bringing depth and clarity to his work. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and has contributed to several prominent media outlets in Nigeria. Uduak is passionate about crime and legal reporting to drive change.

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