Four drug kingpins involved in the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an estate in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2022 have been convicted and sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, the court also imposed hard labor and ordered the forfeiture of properties and funds linked to the convicts.
The convicts, Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), a Jamaican national, faced six charges under charge number FHC/L/607C/2022.
The charges included conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO), managing and financing a DTO, and importing and possessing over 2.1 tons of cocaine. A fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, is still undergoing trial.
The convictions follow a high-profile operation by the NDLEA on September 18, 2022, at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu.
The raid, described as the largest single cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history, was the culmination of intelligence-led efforts. The suspects were apprehended in various locations across Lagos within 24 hours of the operation.
Justice Bogoro handed down varying sentences:
• Kelvin Christopher Smith received four years imprisonment with hard labor.
• Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu was sentenced to 16 years.
• Soji Jubril Oke received five years with hard labor.
• Wasiu Akinade was sentenced to three years with hard labor.
All except one convict were given options of fines. In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the forfeiture of several assets, including:
• A grey Toyota Tacoma SUV registered to Chukwu.
• $50,000 belonging to Chukwu.
• N55,099,509.50 in Chukwu’s name.
• N9,003,168.06 and N3,052,295.20 linked to Akinade.
In a separate suit filed on December 9, 2024, Justice Bogoro granted the final forfeiture of two properties connected to the drug cartel. These included:
1. House No. 6, Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, used for storing and concealing the cocaine.
2. House No. J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), allegedly acquired with proceeds from drug trafficking.
The court further directed the sale of the forfeited properties, with the proceeds to be paid to the Federal Government.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the agency’s officers for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting the case.
He described the convictions as a historic victory against drug cartels, warning that such criminals would not only face jail time but also lose all assets and wealth acquired through their illicit trade.
“This case is a strong message to drug cartels. The NDLEA will dismantle their operations, ensure they face justice, and strip them of all proceeds of crime,” Marwa stated.
