…as Marwa reiterates that Nigeria will never be safe for drug traffickers
By Nkechi Eze
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport, following over three years of diligent prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Justice Daniel Osiagor, who presided over the matter, handed down the ruling on Thursday, May 15, 2025, after the defendants entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution. The vessel and its crew had initially challenged the charges with a no-case submission, which the court dismissed on the basis that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
The convicted Thai sailors are: Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; Thammarong Put-tlek; Worrapat Paopinta; Marut Kantaprom; Werapat Somboonying; Urkit Amsri; Panudet Jaisuk; and Amrat Thawom.
The vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, was convicted for unlawfully conveying cocaine into Nigeria and fined $4 million or its naira equivalent. The 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the vessel to be used for illegal transportation of the narcotic substance.
Justice Osiagor ordered the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants to pay N100,000 each and an additional $50,000 each as restitution to the Federal Government. The 5th to 11th defendants were fined N100,000 each and $30,000 each in restitution, amounting to a total financial penalty of $4,360,000.
The vessel and crew were arrested on October 13, 2021, at the Apapa port alongside nine Nigerian nationals, who were arraigned on related charges of conspiracy and unlawful transportation of cocaine. The Nigerian defendants include: Samuel Messiah; Ishaya Maisamari; Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey; Osabeye Stephen; Gbenga Ogunfadeke; Kayode Buletiri; Rilwan Omotosho Liasu; Saidi Sule Alani; and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf. Their trial has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.
The case was prosecuted by the NDLEA’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, supported by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence team was led by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
In an official signed statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the court’s ruling as a strong message to global drug trafficking networks and their local collaborators.
“This verdict sends a strong warning to drug cartels that Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for their illicit operations,” Marwa stated, while commending the NDLEA’s legal team and officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their professionalism and perseverance.
He urged the officers to maintain momentum as the trial of the Nigerian co-defendants resumes next month.
