Drug Lords Fall: Court Sentences Kingpins Behind Nigeria’s Largest Cocaine Bust in Historic Verdict
In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four notorious drug kingpins involved in the record-breaking seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an upscale Ikorodu estate in 2022. The verdict, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s criminal underworld.
The convicts—Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican—were apprehended in a dramatic raid by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The operation, executed between September 18 and 19, 2022, led to the largest cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s history at No. 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu.
Justice Bogoro sentenced the men to a combined 28 years of imprisonment with hard labour. The punishments vary: the Jamaican, Smith, received four years; Chukwu was handed a total of 16 years; Oke was sentenced to five years; and Akinade got three years. All except one were given the option of fines.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets linked to the drug cartel, including a grey Toyota Tacoma SUV, over ₦64 million in cash, and $50,000. Furthermore, two luxury properties in Ikorodu and Victoria Garden City, Lagos—used for trafficking and purchased with drug money—were permanently seized and will be sold, with proceeds directed to the Federal Government.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi lauded the ruling, emphasizing its significance in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“This recovery remains the largest single cocaine seizure in the country’s history, and the sentencing of these drug lords marks a major victory for the NDLEA and justice,” Babafemi said.
Meanwhile, the trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, who was arraigned alongside the convicted men, is ongoing.
This case serves as a powerful message to Nigeria’s drug cartels: no one is above the law.