Drug Barons Jailed with Hard Labour, Lose Mansions and Millions

Four drug lords involved in Nigeria’s largest cocaine seizure have been sentenced to a combined 28 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Federal High Court in Lagos. Presiding Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the verdict, marking a significant victory in the nation’s fight against drug trafficking.

The convicts, aged between 44 and 71, include Soji Jubril Oke (71), sentenced to five years; Wasiu Akinade (55), who received three years; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), handed 16 years; and Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith (44), sentenced to four years. All sentences come with hard labour.

In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the forfeiture of assets linked to the convicts. These include a Toyota Tacoma SUV, $50,000, and over N67 million in cash. The properties forfeited are located at 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, and J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

The case stems from a September 2022 raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which uncovered 2.1 tons of cocaine at the Ikorodu property. Following the raid, the convicts were apprehended in various locations across Lagos.

Justice Bogoro emphasized that the seized properties were purchased using proceeds from drug trafficking and ruled that they be sold, with the proceeds directed to the Federal Government.

NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Marwa praised the court’s decision, describing it as a historic step in the battle against drug cartels. “This case sends a strong message to drug traffickers. They will face the consequences not only through imprisonment but also by losing the wealth accumulated from criminal activities,” Marwa stated.