Justice Served: Four Drug Lords Jailed as Court Seizes Millions and Luxury Properties

In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four drug kingpins to a combined 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour for their involvement in Nigeria’s largest cocaine bust—2.1 tons seized in Ikorodu, Lagos. The case, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, also saw the convicts forfeiting millions in cash and high-value assets to the Federal Government.

The convicts and their sentences are as follows:

Soji Jubril Oke (71) – 5 years imprisonment with hard labour

Wasiu Akinade (55) – 3 years imprisonment with hard labour

Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67) – 16 years imprisonment

Kelvin Christopher Smith (44, Jamaican) – 4 years imprisonment with hard labour

Millions in Cash and Properties Forfeited

The court ordered the forfeiture of substantial assets linked to the drug syndicate, including:

A Toyota Tacoma SUV

$50,000 USD

Over ₦67 million, including ₦55,099,509.50 and other sums

Two luxury properties in Lagos:

House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu

House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC)

A Victory for the NDLEA

The arrests stemmed from a September 18, 2022, operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which raided a property in Ikorodu and seized the massive haul of cocaine. Justice Bogoro ruled that the forfeited properties, purchased with illicit funds, be sold, with the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government.

The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the court’s decision as a monumental win against drug cartels.

“This ruling is a strong message to drug traffickers: jail time and the loss of all ill-gotten wealth await those who choose this path,” Marwa declared.

A Bold Step in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking

This judgment underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks. It also highlights the NDLEA’s resolve to ensure that no individual benefits from the proceeds of illegal activities.

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