Four drug kingpins linked to the record-breaking seizure of 2.1 tonnes of cocaine in Lagos in 2022 have been convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Yellim Bogoro handed down a total of 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour to the culprits, including a Jamaican national, Kelvin Christopher Smith, alongside three Nigerians: Soji Jubril Oke, Wasiu Akinade, and Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu. Their sentencing follows a rigorous two-year prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convicted individuals were implicated in operating a drug trafficking organization responsible for the massive cocaine haul. NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the agency seized over ₦67 million and $50,000 in cash, a Toyota Tacoma SUV, and properties linked to the cartel. The properties include House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, used for storage, and another in Victoria Garden City, both forfeited to the Federal Government.
This historic seizure, which occurred in September 2022, was the result of a coordinated intelligence operation targeting a residence in Ikorodu. Babafemi commended the NDLEA officers and prosecutors for their diligence, while NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) reaffirmed the agency's commitment to dismantling drug cartels. He emphasized that offenders not only face imprisonment but will also forfeit all assets acquired through drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is ongoing. The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts in the war against narcotics, aiming to safeguard Nigeria from the devastating impact of drug cartels and their illicit operations.
