Four major drug kingpins have been convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos in connection with the record-breaking seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022. The convicts—Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Jamaican Kelvin Christopher Smith (44)—were sentenced to various jail terms totaling 28 years with hard labor for their roles in the drug trafficking operation.
The trial, led by Justice Yellim Bogoro, followed charges of operating a drug trafficking organization, possession, and importation of over 2 tons of cocaine. The seizures, which took place on 18th September 2022 at 6 Olukuola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, marked the largest single cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics history. The drug kingpins were arrested in different locations across Lagos between 18th and 19th September 2022.
After years of diligent investigation, Justice Bogoro sentenced the convicts to varying terms: Smith received four years in prison, Chukwu was sentenced to 16 years, Oke was given five years, and Akinade was sentenced to three years. In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the forfeiture of various assets, including $50,000, several properties, and large sums of money connected to the suspects.
In a related case, the court also granted the final forfeiture of two properties linked to the drug cartel—one in Ikorodu and another in Victoria Garden City, Lagos, both believed to be purchased with proceeds from the drug trade.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa, praised the officers involved in the investigation, emphasizing that this conviction serves as a stern warning to drug cartels. He reaffirmed that offenders will not only face jail time but will also lose their criminally acquired wealth.
