Over three years after their arrest, 10 Thai sailors aboard MV Chayanee Naree have been convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria from Brazil. The court, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, also ordered the vessel to pay a fine of $4 million or its Naira equivalent.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 15, 2025, by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, the convicted sailors were identified as:
Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom—all nationals of Thailand.
They were arrested alongside nine Nigerian suspects on October 13, 2021, when the NDLEA intercepted the vessel at the Apapa seaport, Lagos. They were first arraigned in February 2022, facing charges of conspiracy and unlawful importation of illicit drugs.
The Nigerian suspects include:
Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf. Their trial has been adjourned to June 25.
The prosecution, led by DCGN Theresa Asuquo, Director of Prosecution and Legal Services at NDLEA, along with A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi, argued that the acts violated Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the dismissal of a no-case submission filed by the sailors, they opted for a plea bargain. In his ruling, Justice Osiagor convicted them under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for allowing the vessel to be used for drug trafficking.
Court Penalties:
- MV Chayanee Naree was fined $4 million.
- The 2nd to 11th defendants were fined ₦100,000 each.
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants must each pay an additional $50,000 restitution.
- 5th to 11th defendants must each pay $30,000 restitution.
- Total financial penalties: $4.36 million.
The defence team included Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN)—Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
Reacting to the verdict, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the agency’s legal and operational teams, stating:
“This judgment sends a clear signal to international drug cartels and their local accomplices: Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for illicit drug trafficking.”
He urged officers to remain committed to pursuing the ongoing case involving the Nigerian defendants.
