NDLEA's Historic Cocaine Bust: Over 2 Tons Seized, Properties Forfeited, And Drug Lords Jailed

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved a groundbreaking victory against drug trafficking, seizing 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine in a record-breaking operation in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2022. Alongside this major haul, the agency apprehended four prominent drug traffickers and forfeited luxury properties, N67 million, and $50,000 tied to the cartel’s illicit trade.

Court Judgments and Sentences

The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, delivered various jail terms totaling 28 years with hard labor to the convicted individuals. The convicts included 71-year-old Soji Jubril Oke, 55-year-old Wasiu Akinade, 67-year-old Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, and 44-year-old Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith. They faced six counts of charges under case number FHC/L/607C/2022.

Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, revealed that the charges against the suspects involved conspiracy, managing a drug trafficking organization (DTO), and possession of over two tons of cocaine. A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is still undergoing trial.

Details of the Operation

On September 18, 2022, NDLEA agents carried out an intelligence-driven raid at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu. This operation resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history. By the following day, cartel leaders were arrested at various locations across Lagos.

Convictions and Asset Forfeiture

After over two years of meticulous prosecution, the court sentenced the convicts as follows:

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

Luxury assets and funds forfeited to the Federal Government included:

A grey Toyota Tacoma SUV registered to Emmanuel Chukwu.
$50,000 and over N55 million from Chukwu’s account.
N12 million across accounts linked to Wasiu Akinade.

Additionally, two properties used for drug storage and acquired through criminal proceeds were permanently forfeited:

A house at 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu.
A property at J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

The court ordered these properties to be sold, with proceeds remitted to the Federal Government.

NDLEA’s Commitment to Justice

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the agency’s officers for dismantling the cartel. “This operation marks a significant blow to drug traffickers, serving as a strong warning that they will not only face jail time but also lose assets acquired through illegal means,” he stated.

Babafemi concluded by emphasizing that this landmark case underscores NDLEA’s dedication to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring justice is served.