By HeapNews
Following a high-profile trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, four notorious drug kingpins have been convicted in connection with the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. Justice Yellim Bogoro sentenced the four men to a total of 28 years in prison with hard labour, in a landmark decision that underscores the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
The convicts—Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith (44)—were arrested in September 2022 after an intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The men were involved in a sophisticated drug trafficking syndicate that was responsible for importing and possessing over 2,139 kilograms (over two tons) of cocaine, seized from a residence in the Solebo estate, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The seizure, made on September 18, 2022, was the largest single cocaine bust in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics history. The drug haul, worth billions of Naira, was concealed in the property, which was also used for the storage and trafficking of illicit substances. The NDLEA operatives arrested the suspects from various hideouts across Lagos, leading to their prosecution on charges including conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization, importation and possession of the drugs, and financing the operation.
The trial, which lasted more than two years, culminated in the following sentences:
- Kelvin Christopher Smith: 4 years with hard labour
- Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu: 16 years
- Soji Jubril Oke: 5 years
- Wasiu Akinade: 3 years
The convicts were also ordered to forfeit assets tied to their illicit operations, including a Toyota Tacoma SUV, large sums of money in both Naira and US Dollars, and two properties believed to have been acquired with proceeds from drug trafficking. The final forfeiture of these properties, including the house in Ikorodu and a luxury property in Victoria Garden City, Lagos, was ordered by the court on December 9, 2024.
The NDLEA has hailed this victory as a significant blow to the operations of drug cartels in the country. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that this case sends a clear message that drug traffickers will face severe consequences, including the loss of ill-gotten wealth and properties.
The investigation and prosecution have been described as a monumental success for Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes.