Nigeria’s Biggest Cocaine Bust: Court Sentences Four Drug Lords to 28 Years in Prison
In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four major drug traffickers to a combined total of 28 years in prison with hard labor, following Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. The case, which marks a significant step in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, involved the confiscation of over 2.1 tons of cocaine seized in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The convicts, who were arrested during an extensive investigation, include:
- Soji Jubril Oke (71) – 5 years imprisonment with hard labor
- Wasiu Akinade (55) – 3 years imprisonment with hard labor
- Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67) – 16 years imprisonment
- Kelvin Christopher Smith (44, Jamaican) – 4 years imprisonment with hard labor
Along with their prison sentences, the court also ordered the forfeiture of their illicitly acquired assets, which include a Toyota Tacoma SUV, significant sums of money in both US dollars ($50,000) and Nigerian naira (₦55,099,509.50), and two prime properties located in Ikorodu and Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. These properties will be sold, with the proceeds going directly to the Federal Government.
The bust, which took place on September 18, 2022, was the result of a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The operation led to the discovery of a staggering 2,139.55 kg of cocaine at a property in Ikorodu. The convicts were apprehended in different locations across Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the success of the investigation and prosecution, calling it a historic victory for law enforcement and a strong message to drug syndicates operating in Nigeria. Marwa stressed that this case serves as a warning to those involved in drug trafficking—along with serving time, criminals will also face the forfeiture of the wealth they obtained through illegal activities.
