The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of four drug lords, who were sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison following the seizure of over 2.1 tons of cocaine in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, delivered the sentences after a two-year trial.

The convicts—Soji Jubril Oke (71), Wasiu Akinade (55), Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu (67), and Jamaican national Kelvin Christopher Smith (44)—were found guilty of conspiracy, running a drug trafficking organisation, and possessing the illicit consignment.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of significant assets linked to the drug cartel, including properties in Victoria Garden City (VGC) and Ikorodu, millions in cash, and a luxury vehicle.

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“This case represents a significant blow to drug cartels in Nigeria,” said Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the NDLEA.

“It sends a strong message that drug traffickers will not only face prison terms but will also lose all wealth acquired through their crimes,” he said.

A cocaine haul of 2,139.55 kilograms was seized in September 2022 during a coordinated raid by NDLEA operatives on a residential property in Ikorodu.

NDLEA said the operation is the largest single cocaine bust in Nigerian history, and it eventually led to the arrests of the suspects from various hideouts in Lagos.

In addition to their jail terms, the convicts will forfeit proceeds of their criminal enterprise, including a Toyota Tacoma SUV, over ₦67 million, and $50,000 in cash.

The forfeited properties will be sold, with proceeds directed to the Federal Government.

“This outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and prosecution in the fight against drug trafficking,” Marwa added.

“It serves as a clear warning to other cartels that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for their activities,” he said.