#Four Drug Lords Jailed for 28 Years with Hard Labour as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties, Cash

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four drug lords to a combined 28 years imprisonment with hard labour, following their involvement in Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure of 2.1 tons in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The convicts, Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), a Jamaican national, were implicated in a raid conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on September 18, 2022. The operation uncovered a record-breaking 2.1 tons of cocaine at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu.

Sentencing Details

After a two-year trial, Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the following sentences:

• Kelvin Christopher Smith: 4 years imprisonment with hard labour.
• Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu: 16 years imprisonment.
• Soji Jubril Oke: 5 years imprisonment with hard labour.
• Wasiu Akinade: 3 years imprisonment with hard labour.

The court granted varying options of fine for the convicts, except for one who must serve the full term.

Assets and Cash Forfeiture

The court ordered the forfeiture of several assets and funds linked to the convicts:

• A Toyota Tacoma SUV registered to Emmanuel Chukwu.
• $50,000 (USD) and ₦55,099,509.50, both belonging to Chukwu.
• ₦9,003,168.06 and ₦3,052,295.20, both linked to Wasiu Akinade.

Additionally, the court granted a final forfeiture of two Lagos properties:

1. 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, where the cocaine was stored.
2. J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), believed to have been acquired using proceeds from drug trafficking.

Further Action

The forfeited properties are to be sold, with proceeds remitted to the Federal Government. This is in accordance with the court’s order for the disposal of assets acquired through illicit means.

Ongoing Case

A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, who was arraigned alongside the convicts, is still undergoing trial.

NDLEA Statement

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, emphasized the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks. He noted that the sentencing and asset forfeiture mark a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against drug cartels.

This case highlights the judiciary’s resolve to combat drug-related crimes and the continued efforts of law enforcement to address the menace of illicit drug trade in Nigeria.