In September 2022, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) executed a series of operations that culminated in the largest single cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. The operation began with a raid on a residential estate in Ikorodu, Lagos, where operatives uncovered a staggering 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine. This discovery triggered a chain of arrests, leading to the apprehension of four key figures in the drug trafficking operation: Soji Jubril Oke, Wasiu Akinade, Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, and Kelvin Christopher Smith, a Jamaican national. These individuals were apprehended in various locations across Lagos State between the night of September 18th and the morning of September 19th, 2022. A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, was also arrested and is currently undergoing trial. The successful operation marked a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Following their arrests, the four kingpins were charged with six counts related to drug trafficking under charge number FHC/L/607C/2022. The charges were filed between October and December 2022, setting the stage for a legal battle that would ultimately determine their fate. The case highlighted the NDLEA’s commitment to pursuing and prosecuting individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. The magnitude of the cocaine seizure underscored the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences for those involved.
In 2024, Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the verdict, sentencing the four convicts to a combined 28 years imprisonment with hard labor. Kelvin Christopher Smith received a four-year sentence, while Wasiu Akinade received three years. Soji Jubril Oke was sentenced to five years. Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu received the most severe sentence of 16 years. The judge also imposed varying fines on the convicts and ordered the forfeiture of assets, including a Toyota Tacoma SUV, $50,000, and substantial sums of Nigerian Naira linked to the illicit activities. One convict was mandated to serve the full jail term without the option of a fine, reflecting the severity of the crime.
The NDLEA’s pursuit of justice didn’t end with the sentencing of the four kingpins. The agency initiated legal proceedings to seize properties associated with the drug cartel. In a separate case filed before Justice Bogoro, the NDLEA successfully secured the final forfeiture of two properties. The first property, located at 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, served as the storage and concealment location for the massive cocaine haul. The second property, situated in the upscale Victoria Garden City Estate, Lagos, was believed to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking. The court ordered the sale or disposal of both properties, with the proceeds to be remitted to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This case represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking. The successful prosecution and sentencing of the four kingpins, along with the forfeiture of their assets and properties, send a strong message of deterrence to other potential drug traffickers. The sheer volume of cocaine seized underscores the scale of the operation and the potential impact its disruption has had on the illicit drug market. The NDLEA’s meticulous investigation, coupled with the court’s firm stance, demonstrates the nation’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
The NDLEA’s success in this case is a testament to the agency’s dedication and professionalism. The investigation, arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture highlight the comprehensive approach taken by the agency in dismantling drug trafficking networks. The case also emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the effectiveness of utilizing legal frameworks to combat organized crime. The outcome serves as a potent deterrent and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The ongoing trial of the fifth suspect further underscores the NDLEA’s determination to bring all those involved in this criminal enterprise to justice.
