Four drug lords connected to Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine bust involving 2.1 tons in Ikorodu, Lagos, have been sentenced to a total of 28 years imprisonment with hard labour. The judgment was delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The convicts include:
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
The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets linked to the convicts, including:
A Toyota Tacoma SUV
$50,000 USD
₦55,099,509.50
₦9,003,168.06
₦3,052,295.20
In addition, two properties—House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, and House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos—were seized. On September 18, 2022, NDLEA operatives conducted a raid at 6 Olokunola Crescent, Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, where they confiscated 2,139.55kg of cocaine during a targeted operation.
The offenders were captured in various hideouts throughout Lagos. Justice Bogoro noted that the properties were obtained through proceeds from drug trafficking and decreed they should be sold, with the funds given to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of NDLEA, praised the investigation and prosecution teams, describing the convictions and asset forfeitures as a landmark win against drug traffickers.
“This case serves as a stern warning to drug traffickers—they will not only face jail terms but also forfeit their ill-gotten wealth and properties acquired through criminal enterprises,” Marwa said.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug syndicates and seize their proceeds of crime.