The Federal High Court in Lagos has handed down guilty verdicts to 10 Thai nationals for their involvement in the illicit importation of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.
The sailors were tried alongside their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, which the court determined had been instrumental in transporting the narcotics into the country. The ship, along with its crew, was intercepted by authorities on October 13, 2021, at Lagos’ Apapa Port, following its arrival from Brazil.
The individuals convicted include Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.
Their prosecution, initiated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in February 2022, also involved nine Nigerian nationals who were alleged to have served as local collaborators in the smuggling operation.
The Nigerians, whose trial is ongoing, include Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) charged the convicted sailors under various provisions of the NDLEA Act, including Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which stipulate severe penalties for conspiracy, unlawful trafficking, and importation of narcotics.
In addition to the vessel’s crew, the prosecution accused three other individuals — identified as Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph, and a man known simply as Tunde — who remain fugitives from justice.
The case, led by NDLEA prosecutors Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo, and Paul Awogbuyi, faced an initial legal challenge when the defence team, headed by prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe, filed a no-case submission, asserting that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
However, presiding judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, dismissed the submission, siding with the prosecution’s position that the evidence presented established a clear prima facie case against both the sailors and the implicated vessel. The judge consequently directed the defence to present its case.