Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — In a landmark ruling that underscores Nigeria’s relentless fight against drug trafficking, four drug kingpins have been sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison with hard labor. The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, also ordered the forfeiture of their assets, including two luxury homes, millions of naira, and foreign currency, to the Federal Government.
The convicts, Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), a Jamaican national, were implicated in the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria's history. The case stemmed from a September 2022 operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which uncovered 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at a residence in Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos.
After over two years of rigorous prosecution, the court handed down varying sentences to the convicts:
- Kelvin Christopher Smith: 4 years imprisonment with hard labor.
- Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu: 16 years imprisonment and forfeiture of assets, including a Toyota Tacoma SUV, $50,000, and over ₦55 million.
- Soji Jubril Oke: 5 years imprisonment with hard labor.
- Wasiu Akinade: 3 years imprisonment and forfeiture of over ₦12 million.
The convicts were also required to forfeit properties linked to the cartel, including a house on Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, used to store the cocaine, and another in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking.
Justice Bogoro ordered the sale of the forfeited properties, with proceeds directed to the Federal Government. "This ruling represents a critical victory against drug cartels and a warning that their wealth and assets will not be spared," the judge stated.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the ruling as a “historic blow” to drug cartels in Nigeria. He emphasized that the case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to not only imprison drug traffickers but also dismantle their financial empires.
“This is a strong warning to drug cartels: your illicit trade will lead to jail time and the loss of all your properties and investments,” Marwa declared.
The breakthrough came on September 18, 2022, when NDLEA operatives raided a house in Solebo Estate, uncovering the record-breaking cocaine haul. The suspects were arrested in separate locations across Lagos within 24 hours of the raid.
While four of the accused have been convicted, the trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is ongoing.
The case has drawn significant national and international attention, showcasing Nigeria's resolve to combat drug trafficking. Experts view the convictions and asset forfeitures as a major step in dismantling drug networks and curbing the influence of illicit trade in the country.
As the NDLEA intensifies its efforts, this ruling serves as a powerful reminder that the agency is committed to safeguarding Nigeria from the devastating effects of drug trafficking and ensuring justice for all.
